How Long to Withdraw From an Online Order in Belgium?

In short: for most online orders, a consumer in Belgium has 14 days to withdraw from the contract without giving any reason. This cooling-off right comes from the EU Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU, which Belgium has transposed into its Code de droit économique (the WER).

When the 14 days start

For a sale of goods, the 14-day period generally runs from the day the consumer takes physical possession of the goods — in practice, from delivery rather than from the order date. If an order is delivered in several instalments, the period usually starts from receipt of the last item.

When it can be longer

The 14 days assume you told the consumer clearly about their withdrawal right. If you did not provide that information, the period is extended by up to 12 months. Supplying the information later starts the standard 14 days from that point, so clear up-front disclosure keeps the window short.

What this means for sellers

• State the 14-day withdrawal right clearly before the customer orders.
• Make the model withdrawal form available, in a language your customers understand.
• Refund within 14 days, including standard delivery, once a consumer withdraws.

Enforcement in Belgium sits with the FPS Economy. National specifics can change, so treat this as a qualitative guide and confirm the current position with the relevant Belgian authority when it matters.

This article is educational, not legal advice.