“Withdrawal” Button Mandatory Starting October 1, 2026

It’s now official: The Austrian legislature has approved the introduction of the so-called “withdrawal button.” The new Section 13a of the FAGG will take effect on October 1, 2026, and will apply to consumer contracts concluded via an online user interface after September 30, 2026. The originally planned date of June 19, 2026, is therefore no longer valid.

Who is affected by this new requirement?

Businesses that enter into distance contracts with consumers – which are subject to withdrawal rights – via a website, an app, or a comparable online user interface must provide an electronic withdrawal function in the future. This affects not only traditional online stores but, in principle, all online platforms through which such consumer contracts are concluded.

The withdrawal button will complement the existing options for exercising the right of withdrawal. Consumers can therefore continue to cancel a contract via email or by using the model withdrawal form, for example.

How must the withdrawal button be designed?

The withdrawal feature must

• clearly labeled with “withdraw from contract” or a similarly unambiguous phrase,
• be available at all times throughout the entire withdrawal period,
• be prominently placed and easily accessible.

Consumers must be able to use this function to provide their name, details identifying the relevant contract, and an electronic means of communication for confirmation of receipt.

After entering this information, the consumer must be able to submit the declaration in a second step by clicking a button labeled “Confirm Withdrawal” or an equivalent, unambiguous phrase. The business must then immediately send a confirmation on a durable medium, specifically via email. This confirmation must include the content of the withdrawal declaration as well as the date and time of its receipt.

The withdrawal period is deemed to have been observed if the consumer submits the online notice of withdrawal before it expires. A prior check by the system to determine whether a right of withdrawal actually exists in a specific individual case is generally not required.

Action Is Needed Now

Companies should therefore review their digital contract and ordering processes in a timely manner. In addition to the technical implementation of the two-step withdrawal process, it is particularly important to ensure clear labeling, ease of access, continuous availability, and automated confirmation of receipt.

Conclusion: The previously announced legislative change has now become a concrete obligation. Anyone who enters into consumer contracts subject to withdrawal via an online user interface after September 30, 2026, must provide a legally compliant withdrawal function in accordance with Section 13a of the FAGG starting October 1, 2026.