Consumers should be able to revoke online purchases more easily in the future.
“As simple as ordering on the Internet – it should be as easy to revoke: With one click,” said Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) in Berlin. The new cancellation button should apply to goods, services and financial services.
The button must be clearly recognizable
Hubig announced an electronic cancellation button. “The conclusion of the contract by clicking is already standard. This must also apply to the revocation.” The plans serve to implement EU requirements. The Bundestag would have to agree.
“The cancellation function must be legibly readable with ‘revoke the contract’ or another equivalent clear wording,” says the draft law. “During the course of the cancellation period, it must be constantly available, highlighted and easily accessible to the consumer during the cancellation period.”
Changes in the event of cancellation periods
In addition, providers of financial services should be better explained by their customers: they have to explain them better inside. With online tools, consumers should also be able to request direct personal contact.
So far, contracts for financial services have been revoked unlimited if the provider has made errors against legally required information obligations. According to the ministry, minor violations were enough. In the future, this should be possible at most twelve months and 14 days after completion – provided that the customer was instructed about the right of withdrawal. In the case of life insurance, an exclusion period of 24 months and 30 days should apply.
Unlike before, consumers of companies should no longer be able to request contractual terms in paper form.