German online retailers face new withdrawal button regulations

Since June 19, 2026, many online retailers have been legally required to implement a withdrawal button. Three and a half months after the deadline, the impact on various types of merchants is becoming clear.

Platform merchants, who sell on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, faced unique challenges because they depend on the platform operators to provide the necessary technical functionality. While there were concerns regarding whether platforms would implement these features in time, the practical risk of legal warnings has been monitored closely.

In a separate consumer issue, reports have emerged regarding unauthorized invoicing after canceled online orders. Consumer protection agencies advise that when users receive invoices for processes they abandoned, they should issue a written objection stating that no paid order was placed. Maintaining screenshots of the order process and requesting data disclosure from the provider are recommended steps to resolve these disputes.