Can I return goods within 14 days in Czechia?
From an e-shop yes, from a physical store no — that's the whole trick. For distance purchases (online, phone) you get 14 days from delivery to withdraw without any reason: announce the withdrawal, ship the goods within another 14 days, and the seller refunds within 14 days including basic delivery (they may wait for the goods). You may test items as you would in a shop — wear beyond that lets the seller reduce the refund (the 2023 amendment says so explicitly). Physical stores owe no legal return right — only goodwill. Withdrawal exceptions: custom-made goods, perishables, hygiene items with broken seals, opened CDs/DVDs/software, newspapers, date-bound accommodation 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
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Sanctions aim at sellers: refunds later than 14 days accrue default interest, and the trade inspection fines misleading practices. Buyers only risk refund cuts for excessive use.
📎 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 14 days apply in physical stores?
No — the legal right covers distance purchases only; in-store returns are goodwill (often exchange or voucher).
Can I return unboxed goods?
Yes — unboxing and shop-style testing don't kill the right; exceptions are hygiene items and unsealed media.
Who pays return postage?
You (unless the shop says otherwise); the seller refunds the price plus the cheapest delivery they offered.
The e-shop won't refund. Now what?
A written demand, then a trade-inspection complaint and possibly court — the claim is clear-cut, sellers lose.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “14 day return czech republic”
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- “consumer returns czech law”