What are the new requirements for online stores?

Every online retailer should be familiar not only with Finnish practices, but also with the tax requirements and other e-commerce regulations that apply in their operating markets. According to the guidance provided  by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority online store's cancellation function must meet at least the following requirements:

1. The function must be easy to find.

The cancellation function must be clearly visible in the online store or app for the entire period during which the customer has the right to withdraw from the contract. In most cases, this means a 14-day withdrawal period. The function must also have a clear and easily understandable label.

2. Customers must be able to submit a cancellation request easily.

The function must allow customers to provide at least the following details:

• ○ name
• ○ order or contract details
• ○ contact information to which the confirmation will be sent

The withdrawal process must not require any unnecessary steps or unclear procedures.

3. The withdrawal request must be confirmed before submission.

Before submitting the withdrawal request, the customer must explicitly confirm that they wish to cancel the contract. The confirmation step must be clearly presented, for example, through a button or a checkbox.

4. The online store must send a confirmation automatically.

Once the withdrawal request has been received, the customer must be provided with a confirmation without undue delay and on a durable medium, typically by email. The confirmation must include details of the withdrawal and the date and time when the request was received.

Which online stores are affected by the legislative change?

The change applies in practice to a large number of Finnish online stores that sell products or services to consumers online and whose sales are subject to a statutory right of withdrawal. Merchants can still decide whether returns are offered free of charge or whether the consumer is responsible for the costs, but this information must be clearly provided before the order is placed.

This requirement is particularly relevant for online stores in the following industries:

• ○ clothing and fashion retailers
• ○ home decor and furniture retailers
• ○ kosmetiikkaverkkokaupoille
• ○ electronics retailers
• ○ hobby and leisure retailers
• ○ businesses selling memberships, courses, or services online

Many online stores have so far relied on return instructions or cancellation requests submitted by email. From June 2026 onwards, these options alone will no longer be sufficient.

WooCommerce, Shopify, MyCashflow, and other e-commerce platforms

The legislative change does not target any specific e-commerce platform. Instead, the requirement applies to all online stores, regardless of whether the store is built on WooCommerce, Shopify, MyCashflow, PrestaShop, or a fully custom-built system.

In practice, this means that many existing online stores will need:

• ○ a new withdrawal form
• ○ customer information validation
• ○ confirmation step
• ○ automatic email confirmation
• ○ documentation for potential regulatory oversight

How can Fuusiomedia help?

Fuusiomedia implements the legally required withdrawal function for online stores as a turnkey solution. The implementation covers both technical functionality and usability requirements, ensuring that the solution meets the obligations set out in consumer protection legislation and the guidance provided by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority.

At the same time, the online store's delivery terms and terms of contract can also be updated to comply with the new regulations. Going forward, consumers must be clearly informed about the existence of the withdrawal function and where it can be found within the online store.

Although the new requirement is already in effect, not all online stores have yet implemented the necessary changes. The sooner the required functionality is introduced, the lower the risk of having to address deficiencies under time pressure or as a result of regulatory guidance.

If you're unsure whether your online store meets the requirements of the new legislation, Fuusiomedia can help assess your current situation and implement the necessary changes quickly and cost-effectively.

Need a compliant withdrawal function for WooCommerce or another e-commerce platform? Contact Get in touch with Fuusiomedia's experts and make sure your online store meets the 2026 consumer protection requirements.