E-commerce legislation in 2026: what you need to fix

1. The withdrawal button becomes mandatory

From 19 June 2026, every webshop must offer a clear and accessible withdrawal button. This allows customers to easily indicate that they want to return an order. 

What does this mean in practice? 

The withdrawal button is more than a visual element. It must: 

• Be clearly visible, also on mobile; 

• Explain what happens after the customer clicks; 

• Be connected to your return and order processes. 

Why this matters 

If the button exists but the process behind it is unclear or broken, you create customer frustration and extra pressure on customer service. 

Practical tip: treat this as a process change, not a standalone feature. Involve UX, e-commerce and IT together.

2. Right to Repair: repair becomes the default

From 31 July 2026, the European Right to Repair applies. For many products, repair must be offered before replacement. 

What do webshops need to arrange? 

• Customers must know whether a product can be repaired; 

• Repair costs and lead times must be transparent; 

• In some cases, customers can choose between repair and replacement. 

Impact on your organisation 

This regulation affects multiple areas: 

• Product information on your digital shelf; 

• Warranty and service pages; 

• Collaboration with suppliers and service partners. 

Practical tip: check if your product data already includes this information. In many cases, it does not. 

3. Sustainability claims: only say what you can prove

The EU is cracking down on vague or misleading sustainability claims. Terms like “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” can only be used if they are properly substantiated. 

What is changing? 

• No generic claims without evidence; 

• More transparency on product lifespan and repairability; 

• Clear information on software updates for digital products. 

What does this mean for your digital shelf? 

Your product pages become legally sensitive. Everything you communicate must align with: 

• Product data; 

• Certificates and labels; 

• Supplier information. 

Practical tip: sustainability regulation is not a marketing issue. It is a data and governance challenge. 

4. What’s next? 

Beyond these changes, more European regulations are coming, including: 

• Stricter packaging rules (PPWR); 

• Further sustainability requirements; 

• Ongoing development of digital consumer legislation. 

This requires structure, consistent product data and control over your digital commerce landscape. 

What can you do today? 

To avoid risks in 2026, start here: 

• Map the impact of each regulation on data, IT and processes; 

• Check whether your product information is complete and reliable; 

• Involve legal, e-commerce and IT teams early; 

• Treat compliance as a core part of your digital strategy. 

Final thoughts 

New legislation often feels like a burden. But webshops that handle this well build trust with their customers. Transparency, clear processes and strong product information make the difference. 

And that is exactly where a well-managed digital shelf becomes a competitive advantage. 

Please note: Neortus is not a legal advisory firm. We are digital commerce and digital shelf specialists. This article is intended to explain the impact of legislation on product information, data and digital processes. For legal advice, we recommend consulting a qualified legal expert or industry body.