Can I return an online purchase in Finland?
Yes — 14 days, no reasons needed. The distance-selling withdrawal right gives 14 days to cancel an online purchase without justification: notify the seller expressly (just not returning isn't a withdrawal) and ship the goods back within 14 days of notifying. Your money comes back within 14 days. Two catches: the seller may charge return postage if that was disclosed before purchase — and you may only examine goods as you would in a shop (trying on yes, taking into use no).
📋 The rules
- EU consumers hold a 14-day distance-selling withdrawal right without justification — counted from receiving the goods.
- Withdrawal must be declared expressly (form, email) — not returning or not collecting a parcel isn't a withdrawal.
- Goods go back within 14 days of the notice; the seller refunds payments (original delivery included) within 14 days.
- Return postage may fall on the buyer if disclosed pre-purchase — 'free returns' is a perk, not law.
- Buyers answer for diminished value when use exceeded examination — try it like in a store, don't use it for a week.
🔓 Exceptions
- No withdrawal right for: custom-made goods, sealed hygiene and food items once opened, unsealed recordings and software, accommodation and event tickets for specific dates, promptly delivered digital content with consent.
- Buying from private individuals (marketplace users) sits outside consumer protection — the Sale of Goods Act and your agreement govern.
⚠️ Penalties
Sellers: delaying refunds brings penalty interest and the Consumer Disputes Board. Buyers: over-use brings value-reduction liability — and outside the EU the right may not exist at all.
📎 Sources
- Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority · Distance-selling withdrawal →
- Finlex · Consumer Protection Act 38/1978 (ch. 6) →
- ECC Finland · Cross-border e-commerce →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Do the 14 days run from ordering or delivery?
From receiving the goods. After notifying you have another 14 days to ship them back.
Who pays the return?
The seller may leave return postage to you if disclosed before purchase — otherwise it's theirs. Original delivery charges are always refunded (at the cheapest option's rate).
Can I return a tried product?
Yes — examining like in a store is allowed. Signs of use (washed clothes, installed devices) justify a value reduction.
Does the right cover Chinese webshops?
EU sellers yes — non-EU sellers aren't bound by EU rules, though many offer returns voluntarily. Buy from EU stock when returns matter.
🔎 What people search
Searches that lead to this question.
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