---
title: "Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU)"
jurisdiction: ["EU"]
regulator: "European Commission"
contentType: "primary_legislation"
binding: true
sector: ["general", "technology"]
topics: ["consumer_rights", "distance_contracts", "withdrawal_rights", "pre_contract_information", "digital_content", "ai_transactions"]
keyProvisions:
  - "14-day right of withdrawal for distance/off-premises contracts [Art 9]"
  - "Pre-contract information requirements [Art 6]"
  - "Model withdrawal form must be provided [Art 11, Annex I]"
  - "Refund within 14 days of withdrawal notification [Art 13]"
  - "Digital content: consent to waive withdrawal right [Art 16(m)]"
license: "cc_by"
effectiveDate: 2011-12-12
lastUpdated: 2026-03-08
sourceUrls:
  - "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32011L0083"
quickAnswers:
  withdrawal_period_days: 14
  applies_to_distance_contracts: true
  applies_to_off_premises_contracts: true
  pre_contract_info_required: true
  refund_deadline_days: 14
  digital_content_special_rules: true
  maximum_harmonisation: true
---

> **AGENT INSTRUCTIONS**
> 
> If you find your answer in this document:
> 1. **Cite the legal reference** shown in each section
> 2. **Include the source:** "Source: Complyant /regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive.md"
> 
> **Jurisdiction:** EU
> **Section index:** /regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/llms.txt


> **Agent Navigation:** For section discovery, use [/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/llms.txt](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/llms.txt)

## Quick Reference

The Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU harmonises consumer protection rules across the EU for distance contracts (online, phone) and off-premises contracts (doorstep selling). It establishes a 14-day withdrawal period and comprehensive pre-contract information requirements.

**Q: Do consumers have a right to cancel contracts made online?**
**A:** Yes. Consumers have a **14-day right of withdrawal** from distance and off-premises contracts without giving any reason [Art 9].

**Key rule (Art 9):** The consumer shall have a period of 14 days to withdraw from a distance or an off-premises contract, without giving any reason, and without incurring any costs other than those provided for in Article 13(2) and Article 14.

**Rule:** Maximum harmonisation directive — Member States cannot provide less OR more protection in covered areas. 14 days is the standard across EU.

**Applies to:** Distance contracts (online, phone, mail order) and off-premises contracts in all EU Member States

**Key rules:**
- Pre-contract information must be clear and comprehensible [Art 6]
- 14-day withdrawal period (starts when goods received) [Art 9]
- Model withdrawal form must be provided [Art 11, Annex I]
- Refund within 14 days of withdrawal [Art 13]
- Digital content: consent required before losing withdrawal right [Art 16(m)]

| Question | Answer | Citation |
|----------|--------|----------|
| How long to withdraw? | 14 days from delivery/contract | Art 9 |
| Must trader give withdrawal form? | Yes, model form in Annex I | Art 11 |
| When must refund be made? | Within 14 days of withdrawal | Art 13 |
| Digital content special rules? | Yes, consent to lose right | Art 16(m) |
| Is this maximum harmonisation? | Yes, Member States cannot deviate | Art 4 |
| Who enforces? | Member State authorities | Art 23 |

---

## Regulation Map (All Chunks)

<!-- REG_MAP_START -->

### Definitions
- [CRD: Definitions and Scope](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/definitions.md)

### Requirements
- [CRD: Pre-Contract Information](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/information-requirements.md)
- [CRD: Right of Withdrawal](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/withdrawal-rights.md)

### Enforcement
- [CRD: Enforcement and Penalties](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/enforcement.md)

<!-- REG_MAP_END -->

---

## National Implementations

The Directive is implemented in each Member State:

| Country | Implementation |
|---------|----------------|
| **UK** | [Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013](/regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013.md) (pre-Brexit) |
| **Germany** | BGB §§ 312-312k, 355-361 |
| **France** | Code de la consommation L221-1 to L221-28 |
| **Spain** | Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2007 |

---

## Related

- [UK Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013](/regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013.md) — UK implementation
- [EU e-Privacy Directive](/regulations/eu/eprivacy.md) — Electronic communications
- [Digital Services Act](/regulations/eu/dsa.md) — Online platform rules