Online contracts: One click is all it takes to cancel.

A new law significantly expands consumer protection for online contracts. Private customers will soon be able to cancel contracts concluded online with a simple click.

Ab June 2026 New rules apply to Online stores: Consumers who have concluded contracts online should be able to cancel them more easily. Providers will in future be required to provide a clearly identifiable and readily accessible cancellation policy. button to create that. That's what it says. Law amending consumer contract law and insurance contract law. which the Federal Council approved on January 30th.

This also applies to craft businesses that have access to their Website Contracts with private customers These agreements can be concluded – for example, when selling goods, digital services, or maintenance contracts. Anyone wanting to avoid legal risks should review their digital processes in a timely manner. The most important points are explained below. Attorney Christian Zuleger by Ecovis.

More obligations for online providers 

With the new *Law amending consumer contract law and insurance contract law The Federal Government sets EU requirements The goal: Online contracts should more transparent and fairer This will mean additional demands on technology, communication, and documentation for craft businesses.

"Anyone offering consumer contracts online must review and adapt their processes in a timely manner," says Zuleger. "The new regulations directly impact the design of websites, Ordering processes and contract documents."

The cancellation button will be mandatory.

Very important: Customers will have to sign an online contract in the future. revoked at the touch of a button This is possible. Every company website must have a clearly visible, easily accessible, and user-friendly button for this purpose. The revocation should be possible in this way. light function like the conclusion of the contract itself. "The Cancellation button is no longer an optional service element, but is becoming a legally mandated one mandatory"Zuleger emphasizes, "Companies should check whether their websites meet these requirements in terms of technology and design." Is missing The button, or if it's hard to find, could lead to problems. Warnings, fines, extended cancellation periods or even Reversals of contracts.

However, there are also some reliefs for businesses: Companies will have to adjust the contract terms in the future. no longer in paper form transmit. This change takes into account the increasing digitalization.

Contracts must be understandable. 

Companies that Financial servicesn or other complex Those offering services online must ensure that customers understand the content and risks. Contracts must therefore be... not too complicated or be full of technical terms. "Understandable doesn't mean that contracts have to be reduced to the simplest language level," says Zuleger. "What's crucial is that an average consumer can understand the economic consequences and risks of a contract."

Businesses should share their information structure clearlyHighlight key points and clearly identify risks. Customers also receive the Law, a direct personal contact to request – that is, a contact person they can reach if they have questions.

New deadlines for financial services

Clear rules will apply to financial services contracts in the future. boundaries In case of cancellation: After twelve months and fourteen days That's it – provided the company has correctly informed the customer about their right of withdrawal. "This is an important point for companies," explains Zuleger. "A Correct cancellation policy This creates legal certainty and prevents contracts from being reversed years later. Incorrect or incomplete instructions, on the other hand, extend the deadlines. Therefore, companies should carefully review and update their templates and forms. 

Copy of patient file

Furthermore, the law stipulates that patients will in future have a fundamental right to a Free first copy of her patient file have. With this, the German government is implementing a requirement of the European Court of Justice.

The law comes into effect on June 19, 2026 in force, individual regulations somewhat later. 

Sources: Federal Government; Ecovis

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