The EU withdrawal button for WooCommerce: what the law requires and how to add it
Directive (EU) 2023/2673 requires online shops selling to consumers to offer a dedicated withdrawal function – a “Withdraw from contract here” button – from 19 June 2026. Here is what it must do, a checklist you can use today, and the quickest way to add it to WooCommerce.
Where the rule comes from
Directive 2023/2673 inserted a new Article 11a into the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU). It applies to contracts concluded at a distance through an online interface – shops, marketplaces, apps and subscription services – wherever the consumer has a right of withdrawal. Member states had to apply it from 19 June 2026; some, including Poland, were late, but shops selling across the EU are already exposed to the countries that implemented it on time.
What the function must do
- A clearly labelled function – “withdraw from contract here” or equally unambiguous wording. A generic “Contact” or “Returns” link is not enough.
- Prominently displayed and easy to access for the whole withdrawal period.
- The consumer gives or confirms their name, details identifying the contract (such as the order number) and the e-mail address for the confirmation.
- A separate confirmation function, e.g. “Confirm withdrawal”, which actually sends the statement.
- Acknowledgement of receipt without undue delay on a durable medium – in practice an e-mail with the content of the statement and the date and time it was received.
Forcing customers to log in or create an account, burying the link several clicks deep, or adding “are you sure?” loops all work against the purpose of the rule.
Checklist for a WooCommerce store
| Requirement | What to check |
|---|---|
| Link on every page | “Withdraw from contract here” in the footer, visible without logging in |
| Works for guests | Order number + e-mail, no account |
| Two separate steps | Form → distinct “Confirm withdrawal” button |
| Partial withdrawal | Customer can choose some products and quantities |
| Confirmation e-mail | Immediate, with date, time and the full statement |
| Evidence | A log of statements and a note on the order |
| Customers are told | Link in order e-mails |
Adding it to WooCommerce
WooCommerce has no built-in withdrawal function. You can have a developer build one, try to assemble it from a form plugin (order verification, partial withdrawal and a confirmation containing the statement are the hard parts), or install a plugin made for it.
Withdrawly – free plugin
Site-wide “Withdraw from contract here” link, a form that works for guests, a separate confirmation button, partial withdrawal, an instant confirmation e-mail, a statement log with order notes, and English, Polish and German out of the box. Compatible with HPOS and the block cart and checkout. Pro adds one-click refunds of exactly the withdrawn items, CSV export and reminders before the 14-day refund deadline.
See WithdrawlyFAQ
Do customers have to give a reason?
No. A reason field may only be optional and should say so.
When does the 14-day period start?
For goods, generally when the consumer takes physical possession. Keep the function available before delivery and for at least 14 days after it.
Is a contact form enough?
No. The law requires a function labelled as withdrawal, a separate confirmation step and an automatic acknowledgement of receipt.
Does it apply to subscriptions and services?
Yes, to any contract concluded through an online interface where a right of withdrawal exists.
This article is general information, not legal advice. National implementations may add details; check the rules of the countries you sell to.
Sources: Directive (EU) 2023/2673, EUR-Lex · WooCommerce: The Withdraw Contract Requirement · EU Withdrawal Button 2026 guide