Directive 2011/83/EU (art. 9)
The 14-day right of withdrawal in EU law (Directive 2011/83/EU, art. 9) - and its French transposition, art. L.221-18
The principle of the right of withdrawal
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Across the EU, article 9 of Directive 2011/83/EU gives every consumer 14 days to withdraw from a distance or off-premises purchase, without giving a reason or paying a penalty - the same rule in all 27 member states. Each state transposes it: in France, for example, as article L.221-18 of the Code de la consommation; in Ireland, as reg. 14 of S.I. No. 484/2013, enforced by the CCPC.
The rule - and France's article L.221-18
The 14-day right is harmonised by article 9 of Directive 2011/83/EU: in every member state, the consumer may withdraw from a distance, telephone-canvassed or off-premises contract within fourteen days, without giving any reason. France transposes it in article L.221-18 of the Code de la consommation, which grants the same fourteen-day period, running from receipt of the goods (or the last item of a multiple order) for sales contracts, and from conclusion of the contract for services, with no cost to the consumer other than those set out in articles L.221-23 to L.221-25.
A synthesis faithful to the EU text and to France's transposition. Primary source: Directive 2011/83/EU (art. 9) on EUR-Lex. France's transposition, article L.221-18, in full: the French transposition on Legifrance
In plain language
This right is the cornerstone of EU consumer protection online. Directive 2011/83/EU harmonises it across the 27 member states: when you buy without having been able to see the product for real (online, by telephone, away from a shop), you may change your mind within 14 days. The law that applies is that of the consumer's own country (Rome I Regulation), so each reader looks to their national transposition.
The period is 14 calendar days everywhere in the EU: every day counts, weekends and public holidays included. Its starting point depends on what you buy: receipt for goods, conclusion of the contract for a service. France sets this out in article L.221-18; Ireland in reg. 14 of S.I. No. 484/2013, enforced by the CCPC.
The consumer has nothing to justify: "I have decided I do not like it after all" is enough. At most they bear the return costs, never a penalty - the same principle whether the case is judged under France's transposition, Ireland's, or any other member state's.
Key takeaways
- 14 calendar days, with no reason to give - harmonised by Directive 2011/83/EU (art. 9).
- Start of the period: receipt of the goods, or conclusion of the contract for a service.
- No cost for the consumer, except any return costs.
- France's transposition: art. L.221-18; Ireland's: reg. 14, S.I. No. 484/2013 (CCPC). Some sales fall outside the right (art. 16 of the directive).
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.