Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales for Rotterdam Residents

Right of Withdrawal in Distance Sales in Rotterdam

As a Rotterdam resident, you have the right to a 14-day withdrawal period for distance sales. This applies to online purchases, orders by phone or mail, and protects against buyer's remorse. Whether you shop at local webshops like Coolblue in Rotterdam or elsewhere, this article explains the local practice in Rotterdam, including assistance from the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

What is a distance sale?

A distance sale is concluded without physical contact between buyer and seller. Examples include orders from Coolblue, Bol.com, or telephone sales. Under Article 6:230j of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), you only use communication tools like the internet or phone until the deal is done.

Unlike visiting shops on Rotterdam's Lijnbaan, you cannot inspect the product first. That is why the law provides this extra protection through the right of withdrawal.

Legal basis

The rules are set out in Book 6 DCC, Articles 6:230m to 6:230p, based on EU Directive 2011/83/EU and in force in the Netherlands since 13 June 2014. The District Court of Rotterdam handles many such cases.

• Art. 6:230m DCC: Withdrawal within the cooling-off period.
• Art. 6:230o DCC: 14 days from receipt of product or start of service.
• Art. 6:230p DCC: Exceptions without right of withdrawal.

The seller must inform you using a model withdrawal form (Annex I). Missing this? The cooling-off period extends to 12 months plus 14 days.

How long is the cooling-off period?

Normally 14 days, starting the day after delivery or service commencement. Expires on a weekend or public holiday? Then until the next working day per the Rotterdam Municipality calendar.

Multiple products? Starts after the last delivery. Digital content? From download.

Exceptions

Some sales are excluded; see Article 6:230p DCC:

Always check the seller's terms.

Exercising the right of withdrawal

Simple: notify unequivocally within 14 days.

1. Contact the seller (email, post, form).
2. Use the model form from the website.
3. Return within 14 days of notification, in original condition. Return costs often at your expense.
4. Seller refunds everything within 14 days, including outbound shipping.

Example: Online dress €50 (+€5 shipping) from Rotterdam shop. Doesn't fit? Withdraw by email, return: €55 refunded.

Rights and obligations

Your rights as a Rotterdam resident

• Cancel without explanation.
• Full refund including standard shipping.
• Extended period if information is inadequate.

Your obligations

• Return in good condition (deduction for wear).
• Return costs, unless free label provided.

Seller's obligations

• Provide information upfront.
• Quick refund.
• Often free return.

Practice in Rotterdam

Example 1: Washing machine via Coolblue. Too noisy? Withdraw: collection and refund.

Example 2: App download: no right thereafter.

Example 3: Hotel in the harbour: flexible? Yes. No-show? No.

The District Court of Rotterdam sees many disputes over return costs – consumers often pay themselves.

Tips for Rotterdam residents

• Read terms before purchase.
• Keep proof (invoice, codes).
• Film unboxing for valuables.
• Use the model withdrawal form for clarity.
• In doubt: free advice from Juridisch Loket Rotterdam or report to Rotterdam Municipality Consumer Desk.