Bulgaria implements new online shopping and return regulations

New amendments to the Consumer Protection Act in Bulgaria have introduced updated regulations for online shopping. Under the new rules, online retailers are required to provide a visible, easily accessible, and permanent function that allows consumers to withdraw from a contract via an online application.

Consumers maintain a 14-day window to cancel a purchase without providing a reason. While the retailer must refund the original standard delivery costs, they are not obligated to refund the price difference if a customer opted for a more expensive express shipping method.

Regarding return logistics, the consumer is generally responsible for the direct costs of returning goods unless the retailer has explicitly agreed to cover them or failed to inform the consumer beforehand that the costs would be theirs. The law mandates that merchants must clearly inform customers of these return costs and the methods for exercising the right of withdrawal prior to the conclusion of the contract.