Can I return goods I bought in Switzerland?
It depends on the retailer — there's no general statutory return right in Switzerland. Unlike the EU, there's no statutory return or withdrawal right for ordinary shop or online purchases. Taking back non-defective goods is voluntary goodwill or a right the retailer grants in its terms (e.g. 14-day exchange). A statutory 14-day withdrawal right exists only for doorstep sales and phone-marketing contracts (OR Art. 40a ff.) and only where the value is over CHF 100. For defective goods, the warranty applies (2 years, OR Art. 197 ff.). In short: no general return right — only goodwill or for defects.
📋 The rules
- No statutory return right for shop/online
- Taking back non-defective goods = goodwill or terms
- 14-day withdrawal only for doorstep/phone deals (>CHF 100)
- Defective goods: 2-year warranty (OR 197 ff.)
- Keep the receipt and terms
🔓 Exceptions
- Many retailers voluntarily grant 14-day exchange (contractual)
- Withdrawal doesn't apply to shop, fair or online purchases
- For defects: repair, replacement, price reduction or rescission
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This isn't about fines: for non-defective goods you have no statutory right to a return or refund — the retailer decides under its terms. For defective goods you can invoke the warranty. Beware a myth: "I always have 14 days to return, even online" is false in Switzerland — that's EU law. In Switzerland, returning non-defective goods is voluntary. Tip: check the exchange terms before buying, keep the receipt and complain quickly for defects.
📎 Official sources
- Fedlex · OR Art. 40a ff. (withdrawal) →
- Federal e-commerce guide · withdrawal right →
- Consumer protection (Konsumentenschutz) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have a return right in Switzerland?
No, no general statutory one. Unlike the EU, Switzerland has no statutory return or withdrawal right for purchases in a shop or online. Taking back non-defective goods is voluntary goodwill or a right the retailer grants in its terms and conditions, which vary from shop to shop.
Does the 14-day withdrawal apply online?
No. The statutory 14-day withdrawal right applies only to doorstep sales and phone-marketing contracts, and only where the value is over CHF 100. Purchases in a shop, at fairs or in online shops are excluded. There's no statutory withdrawal right for online purchases.
What can I do about defective goods?
For defective goods, the warranty under the Code of Obligations applies, with a limitation period of two years for new movable goods. Depending on the case you can demand repair, replacement, a price reduction or rescission. For non-defective goods this claim doesn't exist at all.
Must the retailer give a refund?
For non-defective goods, no, unless they grant it voluntarily or promised it in their terms. Many retailers offer an exchange or credit as goodwill, often within 14 or 30 days. But that's contractual, not statutory, so it differs from one shop to another and isn't guaranteed.
What should I check before buying?
Check the retailer's exchange and return terms, as they're voluntary and differ. Keep the receipt, as it proves the purchase. For a defect, complain quickly to preserve your warranty rights. Don't rely on a supposed return right, as none exists for non-defective goods in Switzerland.
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