---
title: "CRD: Definitions and Scope"
jurisdiction: ["EU"]
binding: true
topics: []
keyProvisions: []
license: "unknown"
parent: "eu/consumer-rights-directive"
section: "definitions"
citation: "Directive 2011/83/EU Art 1-4"
sourceUrl: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32011L0083"
lastUpdated: 2026-03-08
sourceUrls: []
---

> **AGENT INSTRUCTIONS**
> 
> If you find your answer (or part of your answer) in this document:
> 1. **Cite the legal reference:** Directive 2011/83/EU Art 1-4
> 2. **Include the source:** "Source: Complyant /regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/definitions.md"
> 
> **Example:** "<your answer> (Citation: Directive 2011/83/EU Art 1-4) — Source: Complyant"
> 
> **Jurisdiction:** EU
> **Part of: EU > CONSUMER-RIGHTS-DIRECTIVE**
> **Official source:** https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32011L0083


## Definitions and Scope [Art 1-4]

**Citation: Article 2** (definitions), **Art 3** (scope), **Art 4** (harmonisation)

**Q: What types of contracts does the Consumer Rights Directive apply to?**
**A:** **Distance contracts** (online, phone, mail order) and **off-premises contracts** (doorstep selling) between traders and consumers [Art 2].

**Key rule (Art 4):** Member States shall not maintain or introduce, in their national law, provisions diverging from those laid down in this Directive, including more or less stringent provisions to ensure a different level of consumer protection.

**Rule:** Maximum harmonisation — all EU Member States must apply the same rules. The 14-day withdrawal period is uniform across the EU.

---

## Key Definitions [Art 2]

### Consumer [Art 2(1)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Consumer** | Any natural person acting for purposes outside their trade, business, craft or profession |
| **Key test** | Purpose of transaction |
| **Excludes** | Legal persons (companies) |

### Trader [Art 2(2)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Trader** | Any natural or legal person acting for purposes relating to their trade, business, craft or profession |
| **Includes** | Anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader |

### Distance Contract [Art 2(7)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Distance contract** | Contract concluded between trader and consumer under organised distance sales scheme |
| **Without** | Simultaneous physical presence of trader and consumer |
| **Using** | One or more means of distance communication |

**Examples:**
- Online purchases (websites, apps)
- Phone orders
- Mail order catalogues
- TV shopping

### Off-Premises Contract [Art 2(8)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Off-premises contract** | Contract concluded in simultaneous physical presence away from trader's premises |
| **Or** | Consumer made offer in such circumstances |
| **Or** | Concluded on trader's premises immediately after personal contact elsewhere |
| **Or** | Concluded during excursion organised by trader |

**Examples:**
- Doorstep sales
- Sales at consumer's home or workplace
- Sales at trade fairs
- Street sales

### Digital Content [Art 2(11)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Digital content** | Data produced and supplied in digital form |
| **Includes** | Software, apps, games, music, videos, ebooks |

### Durable Medium [Art 2(10)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Durable medium** | Any instrument enabling consumer to store information |
| **Addressed** | Personally to the consumer |
| **Accessible** | For future reference |
| **Unchanged** | Allows unchanged reproduction |
| **Examples** | Paper, email, USB, PDF |
| **NOT** | Standard webpage (unless saved) |

---

## Scope [Art 3]

### Contracts Covered

| Type | Covered? |
|------|----------|
| **Distance contracts** | Yes |
| **Off-premises contracts** | Yes |
| **On-premises contracts** | Limited (Art 5 info only) |
| **B2B contracts** | No |
| **C2C contracts** | No |

### Contracts Excluded [Art 3(3)]

| Exclusion | Reason |
|-----------|--------|
| **Social services** | Including social housing, childcare |
| **Healthcare** | Including medicinal products |
| **Gambling** | Regulated separately |
| **Financial services** | Separate directives apply |
| **Package travel** | Package Travel Directive |
| **Timeshare** | Timeshare Directive |
| **Notarial activities** | Public authority functions |
| **Immovable property** | Land/buildings (except furnishing) |
| **Construction** | Building of new buildings |
| **Residential letting** | Housing rentals |
| **Passenger transport** | Except specific provisions |
| **Automatic vending machines** | No trader presence |
| **Public payphones** | Telecommunications |
| **<€50 off-premises** | Member State option |

---

## Maximum Harmonisation [Art 4]

### What This Means

| Principle | Effect |
|-----------|--------|
| **Maximum harmonisation** | Member States cannot provide MORE or LESS protection |
| **Uniform rules** | Same 14-day withdrawal period across EU |
| **No gold-plating** | Cannot extend withdrawal period |
| **No reduction** | Cannot shorten withdrawal period |

### Why This Matters for AI Agents

| Issue | Impact |
|-------|--------|
| **Same rules everywhere** | One compliance approach for all EU |
| **14 days universal** | No need to check per-country variations |
| **Exceptions uniform** | Same exceptions in all Member States |

---

## AI Agent Implications

For AI agents conducting cross-border EU transactions:

| Issue | Rule |
|-------|------|
| **Same rules EU-wide** | 14-day withdrawal, same information |
| **Online = distance contract** | CRD applies |
| **Consumer test** | Purpose outside trade/business |
| **Digital content** | Special withdrawal rules |

---

## Related

- [Back to CRD overview](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive.md)
- [Pre-Contract Information](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/information-requirements.md)
- [Right of Withdrawal](/regulations/eu/consumer-rights-directive/withdrawal-rights.md)