Am I allowed to return something I bought in Sweden?
It depends how you bought it and why you want to return it. If you bought at a distance (online, phone) or off-premises you have a 14-day right of withdrawal under the Distance Contracts Act — money back with no reason given. If you bought in store and simply changed your mind there is no statutory right of withdrawal; open purchase and exchange are voluntary offers. If the item is faulty, a 3-year right of complaint always applies (Consumer Sales Act), and a fault appearing within 2 years is presumed to have existed from the start.
📋 The rules
- Distance purchase (online): 14-day withdrawal, no reason
- In-store purchase (change of mind): no statutory right
- Open purchase and exchange are voluntary offers
- Faulty item: 3-year right of complaint (Consumer Sales Act)
- A fault within 2 years is presumed present at purchase
🔓 Exceptions
- Sealed hygiene goods once opened are not covered by withdrawal
- Custom-made or made-to-measure goods are excluded
- Perishables, unsealed media and date-specific bookings are excluded
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This is civil, not a fine. Disputes are heard by the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN). The seller must refund within 14 days on withdrawal. The Consumer Agency supervises and Hallå konsument advises (0771-525 525).
📎 Official sources
- Hallå konsument · Distance Contracts Act →
- Consumer Agency · Consumer Sales Act →
- Consumer Sales Act (2022:260) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have a right to return something bought in a shop?
No, not if you simply changed your mind. Open purchase and exchange are voluntary, not law.
How long is the withdrawal right for an online purchase?
14 days from when you received the item, with no reason required.
What applies if the item is broken?
Then you have a 3-year right of complaint. A fault within 2 years is presumed present from the start.
What is the difference between withdrawal and open purchase?
Withdrawal is a statutory right for distance purchases. Open purchase is the shop's voluntary offer.
What does it cost to file a dispute with ARN?
Filing costs 150 kr and the process takes about six months.
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