Your EU Consumer Rights
EU consumer protection is among the strongest in the world. Here are the key rights every consumer should know.
Faulty Product
2-year legal guarantee
Under EU law, every product sold to consumers comes with a minimum 2-year legal guarantee. If a product is faulty or doesn't match the description, the seller must repair, replace, reduce the price, or give a full refund.
Legal basis:
Directive (EU) 2019/771 on the sale of goods
- •Article 5 — Requirements for conformity of goods
- •Article 10 — Liability of the seller
- •Article 13 — Remedies: repair or replacement
- •Article 14 — Price reduction and termination
- •Article 10(3) — 2-year liability period from delivery
Flight Cancellation or Delay
€250–€600 compensation
If your flight departing from the EU (or arriving in the EU on an EU airline) is cancelled or delayed by 3+ hours, you may be entitled to €250–€600 in compensation, plus meals and accommodation. Airlines cannot avoid paying by blaming "operational reasons."
Legal basis:
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
- •Article 5 — Cancellation
- •Article 6 — Delay (3+ hours at arrival = same rights as cancellation)
- •Article 7 — Right to compensation: €250 (≤1500km), €400 (1500-3500km), €600 (>3500km)
- •Article 8 — Right to reimbursement or re-routing
- •Article 9 — Right to care (meals, accommodation)
Digital Service or Content Issue
Digital Content Directive
Covers software, streaming services, cloud storage, social media, and any digital content or service you pay for (including with your data). The provider must keep the service conforming to the contract for its entire duration.
Legal basis:
Directive (EU) 2019/770 on digital content and digital services
- •Article 7 — Conformity requirements for digital content
- •Article 11 — Liability of the trader
- •Article 14 — Remedies: bringing digital content into conformity
- •Article 16 — Price reduction and termination
Unfair Contract Terms
Unfair Terms Directive
Contract terms that create a significant imbalance in the parties' rights to the detriment of the consumer are unfair and not legally binding. This includes hidden fees, one-sided cancellation terms, and forced arbitration clauses.
Legal basis:
Council Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair terms in consumer contracts
- •Article 3 — Definition of unfair terms
- •Article 6 — Unfair terms not binding on consumer
- •Annex — Indicative list of unfair terms
Right of Withdrawal
14-day cooling-off period
For any purchase made online, by phone, or outside a shop, you have 14 calendar days to change your mind and return the goods for a full refund — no reason needed. If the seller didn't inform you of this right, the period extends to 12 months.
Legal basis:
Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights
- •Article 9 — Right of withdrawal (14 calendar days)
- •Article 10 — Extended withdrawal period (up to 12 months if not properly informed)
- •Article 13 — Obligations of the trader in the event of withdrawal
- •Article 14 — Obligations of the consumer in the event of withdrawal
✈️ Flight Compensation Table (EC 261/2004)
| Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|
| ≤ 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | €400 |
| > 3,500 km | €600 |
Applies to flights departing the EU (any airline) or arriving in the EU (EU airlines). Does not apply in extraordinary circumstances (e.g. severe weather).
This tool provides general information about EU consumer rights. It is not legal advice. For complex cases, consult a qualified legal professional or your national consumer protection authority.