Can I return goods within 14 days in Czechia?
From an e-shop yes, from a physical store no — that is the whole trick. For distance purchases (online, phone) you get 14 days from delivery to withdraw without giving any reason: you announce the withdrawal, ship the goods within another 14 days, and the seller refunds within 14 days including basic delivery (they may wait until the goods arrive). You may test the item as you would in a shop — wear beyond that lets the seller cut the refund. In a physical store there is no legal right to return anything; it is purely the trader's goodwill. Withdrawal exceptions: custom-made goods, perishables, hygiene items with broken seals, unsealed media and software, print, date-bound stays and events.
📋 The rules
- E-shops: 14 days to withdraw without reason from delivery
- Another 14 days to ship back; refund within 14 days (incl. basic delivery)
- Testing "as in a shop"; excess wear = refund reduction
- Physical stores: no legal right (voluntary policies only)
- Return shipping is on the buyer (unless the shop promises otherwise)
🔓 Exceptions
- No withdrawal: custom/personalised goods, perishables, sealed hygiene items opened, unsealed media/software, print, date-bound stays and events
- Extended windows (30–90 days): store marketing, governed by their terms
- Excess wear beyond shop-style testing: you may still withdraw, but the seller can reduce the refund proportionately
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The buyer risks practically nothing here — the only downside is a reduced refund for use beyond shop-style testing, which the 2023 amendment expressly allows. The sanctions aim at sellers: a refund later than 14 days accrues default interest, and the trade inspection fines misleading practices, including e-shops that hide the deadline or condition refunds on original packaging. What people do not expect: return postage is on the buyer unless the shop promised otherwise, and the seller refunds only the cheapest delivery offered, never your express surcharge.
📎 Official sources
- Czech Trade Inspection · 14-day withdrawal FAQ (CS) →
- Dostupný advokát · Returning goods (CS) →
- GoPay · The 2023 amendment on withdrawals (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do the 14 days apply in physical stores?
No — the legal right covers distance purchases only. In-store returns are the trader's goodwill, often limited to an exchange or a voucher, and frequently conditioned on unopened original packaging.
Can I return goods I have unboxed?
Yes — unboxing and shop-style testing do not kill the right. The exceptions are hygiene items and media or software with broken seals; excess wear can then reduce the sum you actually get back.
Who pays the return postage?
You do, unless the shop promised otherwise. The seller refunds the price of the goods plus the cheapest delivery option it offered — so the express shipping you paid extra for does not come back.
The e-shop will not refund me. Now what?
Send a written demand citing the 14-day deadline, then file a complaint with the trade inspection and, if needed, sue. The claim is clear-cut and sellers lose these disputes; default interest is added on top.
Must I give a reason when withdrawing?
No — that is why it is called withdrawal without giving a reason; a notice within 14 days of delivery is enough. The seller may not condition the refund on an explanation or push a voucher instead of money.
🔎 Common searches
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- “14 day return czech republic”
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