Generally, EU consumers are granted a right of withdrawal for online orders. However, there are exceptions for domains.
Homogeneity in the Right of Withdrawal in the EU
While the right of withdrawal for distance contracts is not uniform across the European Union (EU), it is largely homogeneous. The Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU applies in all EU member states. Common features include, for example, a 14-day withdrawal period for online purchases, telephone or fax orders, beginning upon receipt of the goods. Other common features include the expiry of the right of withdrawal for custom-made goods, sealed hygiene products once opened, perishable goods, and digital content once the download has begun.
The regulations of the EU Single Market member states differ somewhat regarding longer deadlines in cases of incorrect information provided by the seller, return shipping costs, and the method of cancellation itself.
General Right of Cancellation for Distance Contracts in Germany
EU law grants consumers a 14-day right of cancellation if the purchase or service contract was concluded outside of business premises or if the contract is a distance contract. A distance contract is defined as a contract between a business and a consumer for goods or services concluded exclusively using means of distance communication, such as the internet, telephone, fax, or email. The consumer does not have to provide the business with a reason for their cancellation.
No Right of Cancellation for Domain Orders
Since the business incurs costs for real-time registration by the domain registry, cancellation is only possible at the end of the domain registration term. This term is usually 12 months. The registration fees are non-refundable. The domain registry (in Germany, DENIC) receives the customer's address data during this process. The domain owner's name is recorded. This is a personalized service. Consequently, there is generally no right of withdrawal once a domain registration is complete; the 14-day right of withdrawal is excluded.
If the withdrawal notice is received before registration, and the domain has not yet been technically and personally registered, the withdrawal can still be made. However, due to real-time registration, which occurs automatically and simultaneously, especially with web hosting orders including a domain, this window of opportunity is only theoretically available. While the domain itself is no longer subject to the right of withdrawal, the web hosting contract remains revocable within 14 days.