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A minor digital revolution intends to greatly ease the process of canceling internet purchases. Starting Friday, June 19, e-commerce sites and all online retailers must feature an instant option on their platforms that allows customers to easily exercise their right to withdraw. This modification is due to the terms of Legislative Decree 209/2025, which changes the Consumer Code by applying European Directive 2023/2673. While web portals have been tuned for years to allow purchases to be completed in a matter of seconds, the right to withdraw now requires the same speed. According to the new regulations, the withdrawal option must be clearly specified with the words "withdraw from the contract here" or equivalent wording, and it must be available at all times. In practice, it will no longer be sufficient to provide an email address for correspondence or to attach a PDF form for printing, scanning, and returning. The withdrawal process must be activated with the same simplicity as the purchase is formalized with a single click. Technically, the system involves a two-step process in which the user declares the withdrawal and specifies where to get the confirmation. Immediately thereafter, the seller must issue a digital receipt specifying the request's content, the date, and the exact time of transmission. The regulation impacts not just huge marketplaces, but also a wide range of enterprises, including independent stores on e-commerce platforms, subscription service providers, consultants, authors of digital courses, and craftspeople. The platform can still administer the function directly if the sale occurs on a large marketplace. However, the legal deadlines remain unchanged: the ordinary right to withdraw can still be used within 14 days without providing a reason. For tangible items, the vendor must reimburse the customer within two weeks of notification, albeit they may legitimately wait for receipt of the goods or evidence of shipment. The consumer has 14 days to return the product. Specific regulations apply to digital services and content: for subscriptions or consultations that were launched at the user's request, the user may be forced to pay the service fee already received. The right of renunciation is completely forfeited for films, ebooks, or video games that have already been downloaded or played. The 14 calendar days for financial services continue in effect, but life insurance and supplementary pension plans increase to 30 days.
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