Bought something online in Sweden and changed your mind? You may have 14 days to cancel

How Sweden’s 14-day withdrawal right works for distance purchases, when the clock starts, return shipping and key exceptions.

Bought something online in Sweden and changed your mind after it arrived? For many distance purchases, Swedish consumer law gives you 14 days to withdraw without giving a reason.

The Swedish term is ångerrätt. This is a statutory consumer right, separate from a retailer’s voluntary returns policy and from your rights when a product is faulty.

When does the 14-day right apply?

It mainly applies when a private consumer buys goods or services from a business at a distance, for example through a website, app, telephone sale or another organised distance-selling system. Certain contracts made away from the company’s business premises are also covered.

When does the period start?

For goods, the 14-day period normally starts the day after you receive or collect the item. For services, it normally starts the day after the contract is entered into.

If the final day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day.

You do not need a reason

If the statutory right applies, you do not need to show that the product is faulty or that the seller did anything wrong. Changing your mind is enough.

New rule from 19 June 2026

If an eligible contract is concluded through a website or app, the business must provide a dedicated online withdrawal function on the same website or app. After using it, the consumer should receive an automatic acknowledgement.

Physical shops and private sellers are different

Buying directly in a physical shop does not automatically give you a statutory 14-day right simply because you changed your mind. A retailer can offer returns or exchanges voluntarily. Ordinary purchases from private individuals are also outside these distance-selling rules.

Important exceptions

The right does not cover every purchase. Exceptions can include made-to-order goods, perishable products, certain sealed hygiene goods after the seal is broken, some digital content once supply begins with the required consent, and certain services or bookings tied to a specific date or period.

How to withdraw

Tell the seller clearly that you are withdrawing from the distance purchase.
Use writing or the online withdrawal function where available.
Keep proof of your notice.
After notifying the seller, return the goods normally within 14 days.
Keep proof of postage.

Who pays return shipping?

You may have to pay the return shipping if the business told you about this before the purchase. The business should generally refund the standard outbound delivery charge. If you chose a more expensive express option, it usually only has to refund the equivalent standard delivery cost.

Can you open the package?

You may generally inspect the product roughly as you could in a physical shop. If you handle it more than necessary and reduce its value, the seller may in some cases make a deduction from the refund.

If the seller failed to inform you

If the business did not provide the required information about the withdrawal right, the deadline can in some circumstances be extended for up to 12 months beyond the normal period.

Official sources

Sources checked: 7 September 2026.