Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales in Den Haag
As a resident of Den Haag, the right of withdrawal for distance sales allows you to cancel a purchase without reason within 14 days of receiving a product or the start of a service. This applies to orders placed via the internet, telephone, or mail and protects Den Haag residents against buyer's remorse. This article explains the rules, exceptions, and tips, with a focus on local support through Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What Constitutes a Distance Sale in Den Haag?
A distance sale is concluded without physical contact with the seller, such as through webshops like Bol.com, local Den Haag online providers, or telephone orders. Under Article 6:230j of the Civil Code (BW), it involves sales via means of distance communication such as the internet or email until the deal is finalized.
Unlike visiting a store in central Den Haag, where you can inspect the product first, this is why the right of withdrawal applies.
Legal Basis for Den Haag Residents
The right is set out in Book 6 of the Civil Code, Articles 6:230m to 6:230p, based on the EU Directive 2011/83/EU, which has been in force in the Netherlands since 13 June 2014. For disputes, you can approach the District Court of The Hague.
- Art. 6:230m BW: Withdrawal within the cooling-off period.
- Art. 6:230o BW: 14 days from the day after delivery or service start.
- Art. 6:230p BW: Exceptions without right of withdrawal.
The seller must inform you of the right of withdrawal and provide a model withdrawal form. Missing this information? The cooling-off period extends to 12 months plus 14 days. Get free advice from Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
How Long is the Cooling-Off Period?
Normally 14 days. For products, from delivery in Den Haag; for services, from the start date. Expires on a weekend or public holiday? Then until the next working day according to the Municipality of Den Haag calendar.
Multiple items? Starts after the last delivery. Digital content: from download.
Exceptions in Practice
Some purchases are excluded; see Article 6:230p BW. Overview:
| Situation | Reason | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hygienic goods | Re-use risk | Underwear, cosmetics |
| Custom-made | Personalization | Personalized Den Haag souvenirs |
| Perishable goods | Freshness | Fresh flowers from Den Haag market |
| Completed services | With consent | Home repairs in Den Haag |
| Digital after start | Access granted | Apps or streams |
| Travel/accommodation | Non-cancellable | Hotel in Scheveningen |
Always check the seller's terms and conditions.
Exercising the Right of Withdrawal as a Den Haag Resident
Simple: notify unambiguously within 14 days. Steps:
- Contact the seller (email, model form).
- Use the website form.
- Return within 14 days of notification, in original condition. Return shipping costs usually at your expense.
- Seller refunds everything within 14 days, including outbound shipping.
Example: Online dress €50 (+€5 shipping) ordered. Doesn't fit? Email withdrawal, return: €55 refunded.
Your Rights and Obligations
Consumer Rights
- Cancel without explanation.
- Full refund including standard shipping.
- Extended period if information is inadequate.
Consumer Obligations
- Return in good condition (deduction for use).
- Return shipping costs, unless free label provided.
Seller Obligations
- Clear information upfront.
- Prompt refund.
- Often free returns.
Real-Life Cases from Den Haag
Case 1: Washing machine ordered online for Den Haag home. Too noisy? Withdraw within 14 days: pickup and refund.
Case 2: App download: no withdrawal after installation.
Case 3: Scheveningen hotel with no-show: no right; flexible bookings yes.
At Juridisch Loket Den Haag, many questions about return costs: consumers usually pay themselves.
Tips for Den Haag Residents
- Read terms and withdrawal information before purchase.
- Keep proof: invoices, emails, tracking codes.
- Film unboxing for valuable items.
- Use the model withdrawal form for clarity.
- Problems? Go to Juridisch Loket Den Haag or District Court of The Hague.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.