Am I allowed to return something I bought in Norway?
It depends how you bought the item and why you want to return it. If you bought online, by phone or off-premises you have a 14-day right of withdrawal under the Withdrawal Act — money back with no reason given. If you bought in store and simply change your mind, there is no statutory right of withdrawal; an exchange right in a shop is a voluntary offer. If the item is faulty, the complaint right under the Consumer Purchases Act applies for 2 years, or 5 years for goods meant to last significantly longer. You must notify the seller within a reasonable time, never shorter than 2 months after you discovered the fault.
📋 The rules
- Online purchase: 14-day withdrawal, no reason
- In-store purchase (change of mind): no statutory withdrawal
- In-store exchange is a voluntary offer
- Fault: complaint right 2 years, or 5 years
- Notify within a reasonable time, never shorter than 2 months
🔓 Exceptions
- Custom-made goods are excluded from withdrawal
- Sealed hygiene or health goods once opened are excluded
- Perishables, opened media and date-specific tickets are excluded
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This is civil, not a fine. The seller must refund within 14 days on withdrawal. If the seller fails to inform of the withdrawal right the period extends to 12 months. The Consumer Authority enforces the rules with orders and coercive fines.
📎 Official sources
- Consumer Authority · Online withdrawal →
- Withdrawal Act · Lovdata →
- Consumer Purchases Act · Lovdata →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have a right to return something bought in a shop?
No, not if you simply change your mind. An in-store exchange right is a voluntary offer, not a law.
How long is the withdrawal right for an online purchase?
14 days from when you received the item, with no reason needed.
What applies if the item is broken?
You have a complaint right for 2 years, or 5 years for goods meant to last significantly longer.
What is the difference between withdrawal and exchange?
Withdrawal is a statutory right for online purchases. Exchange is the shop's voluntary offer.
When must I complain about a fault?
Within a reasonable time after discovering it, never shorter than 2 months, within the complaint period.
🔎 Common searches
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