The New Mandatory "Withdrawal Button"
Starting June 19, 2026, a statutory withdrawal button (cancellation button) will become mandatory for B2C online shops.
- Functionality: Similar to the existing “cancellation button” for subscriptions, this new button must allow customers to withdraw from a contract without needing to log in first.
- Technical Requirements: A two-step confirmation process is required. The customer must be able to clearly identify themselves and their contract via an input mask.
- Sanctions: If the button is missing, customers may withdraw from contracts even beyond the regular 14-day period; furthermore, businesses face the risk of expensive legal warnings (cease-and-desist orders).
The End of "Simple" Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
The revised EU Consumer Credit Directive must be transposed into national law by November 20, 2026.
- Affected Services: “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services, such as Klarna or PayPal installments, will fall under strict credit laws in the future.
- New Hurdles: Comprehensive creditworthiness assessments and pre-contractual information requirements will become mandatory even for micro-amounts (previously often exempt if under the €200 limit).
- Risk for Merchants: The additional bureaucracy could slow down the “one-click” checkout process and increase cart abandonment rates.
AI Transparency through the EU AI Act
By mid-2026, most provisions of the EU AI Act will come into force.
- Labeling Requirement: Any interaction on a website controlled by AI (e.g., customer service chatbots) must be clearly labeled as such.
- Deepfakes & Media: AI-generated images or text in product descriptions must be marked as “manipulated” or “generated.”
- Documentation: Operators must be able to prove that their systems (e.g., algorithms for personalized pricing) do not have a discriminatory effect.
Accessibility
Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG): Although the primary deadline is in June 2025, companies must ensure by 2026 that their websites are fully accessible according to WCAG 2.1 Level AA to avoid fines of up to €100,000. In 2026, the focus on regulatory enforcement will intensify.
Conclusion
The year 2026 marks a turning point for digital business, as new EU regulations shift the focus heavily toward transparency, honesty, and user-friendliness. While online shop operators and website owners will be challenged technically and editorially by the new withdrawal button and AI labeling requirements, this development offers a significant opportunity: to build genuine customer trust through clear communication and accessibility, and to stand out from the competition through fairness.