Joint Statement: Businesses reject the rash extension of the withdrawal button to all distance contracts through rushed negotiations

Throug the joint statement published on the 21st of February, CEC and other 16 trade associations representing the interests of businesses of different sizes from various sectors (retail, technology, e-commerce and omnichannel) are affirming their discontent regarding the introduction of a “withdrawal button” for all transactions concluded at a distance by means of an online interface.

Although these discussions have taken place in the context of the proposal amending Directive 2011/83/EU (Consumer Rights Directive) concerning financial services contracts concluded at a distance and repealing Directive 2002/65/EC, their impact will go well beyond the boundaries of the financial sector.

For many different reasons, the signatories consider that this new measure will put at risk some SME’s, sectors’ and consumers’ interests. In this joint statement, the signatories aim to present their key proposals regarding the “withdrawal button” namely:

• Foster a principale-based approach to improve consumer’s awareness of the right of withdrawal,
• Avoid one-size-fits-all perspective measures for the implementation of the right of withdrawal,
• Leave businesses sufficient leeway to develop their own withdrawal and return policy fitting to their business model and the consumers they serve.

To read the full statement, click HERE!