Directive (EU) 2023/2673
The technical rules for the online withdrawal button - France's decree no. 2026-3 (art. D.221-5) implementing Directive (EU) 2023/2673
The technical arrangements for the button (decree no. 2026-3)
Last reviewed on
The online withdrawal button comes from Directive (EU) 2023/2673, mandatory across the EU since 19 June 2026. Each member state sets the technical detail - in France, article D.221-5 (decree no. 2026-3 of 5 January 2026): permanent accessibility, a clear label, a form and a time-stamped acknowledgement of receipt.
The rule - and France's article D.221-5
Directive (EU) 2023/2673 requires online traders to offer a permanent, clearly labelled withdrawal functionality across the EU. France details it in decree no. 2026-3 (article D.221-5 of the Code de la consommation): the functionality must be permanently and easily accessible, identified by a clear and unambiguous label, let the consumer send their decision to withdraw together with the information identifying them and the contract, and give rise to an acknowledgement of receipt on a durable medium bearing the date of the request.
A synthesis faithful to the EU text and to France's transposition. Primary source: Directive (EU) 2023/2673 on EUR-Lex. France's transposition, article D.221-5, in full: the French transposition on Legifrance
In plain language
The button itself is EU law: Directive (EU) 2023/2673 makes a permanent online withdrawal functionality mandatory across the 27 member states from 19 June 2026. Each state fills in the technical detail; France does so in article D.221-5, the instruction manual for its transposition of the obligation.
Four requirements structure the mechanism: permanent and easy accessibility; unambiguous wording; the collection of the information that identifies the customer and their order; and, above all, an acknowledgement of receipt on a durable medium, dated.
It is the time-stamped acknowledgement on a durable medium that sets genuine compliance apart from a mere form. In the event of a dispute or an inspection by the national regulator, it is the proof of the date of the request that carries authority - not a screenshot.
Key takeaways
- The button is an EU obligation (Directive (EU) 2023/2673), live since 19 June 2026.
- Permanently and easily accessible functionality, with a clear and unambiguous label.
- Collection of the information identifying the customer and the contract.
- Acknowledgement of receipt on a durable medium, dated (time-stamped). France's detail: art. D.221-5 (decree no. 2026-3).
Going further
This page is an educational synthesis and does not constitute legal advice. The law that applies is that of the consumer's own country (Rome I Regulation). The reference texts carry authority: the EU directive on EUR-Lex and France's transposition on Legifrance.