Starting June 19, 2026, new legal obligations will come into force for online stores and platforms that conclude distance contracts with consumers.
According to Emergency Ordinance No. 18/2026, online merchants will be required to implement within their website or application interface a dedicated online function that allows consumers to exercise their right of withdrawal from the contract.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in sanctions imposed by the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), consisting of fines ranging from 5,000 lei to 15,000 lei.
What does the new obligation entail?
Consumers must be able to submit their withdrawal request directly online, through a function that is easily accessible and clearly identifiable within the platform. It must be labeled with an explicit wording such as:
“Withdraw from the contract here”
or a similar, unambiguous message.
In practice, what needs to be implemented?
The new rules require more than simply adding a button or link. In most cases, a complete technical flow will be necessary, enabling the proper handling and processing of withdrawal requests.
We recommend that online platforms consider implementing the following elements:
- a visible button or link on the website / customer account
- a dedicated online withdrawal request form
- identification of the relevant order
- automatic transmission of the request to the merchant
- confirmation of receipt sent to the customer
- integration with internal return and refund processes
Which documents need to be updated?
At the same time, the new requirements impose a revision of the legal documentation displayed on the website, including:
- Terms and Conditions
- Return / Withdrawal Policy
- Refund Policy
- any internal procedures regarding online orders
Implementation may require both legal and technical adjustments, especially for custom-built stores or marketplace platforms.
For this reason, we recommend starting the compliance process early in order to avoid operational disruptions or the risk of sanctions after June 19, 2026.
In this regard, we can assist you with:
- legal audit of your website and existing documentation
- updating the Terms and Conditions
- drafting the withdrawal policy
- concrete recommendations for technical implementation
- final compliance check before the deadline
If you would like a tailored assessment for your store or platform, please contact us for a focused discussion.
