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Document 31997L0007
Distance contracts
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Distance contracts
European consumers benefit from an increased level of protection when they buy a product or service at a distance. They benefit from a series of contractual rights and rules harmonised at the European level.
ACT
Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 1997 on the protection of consumers in respect of distance contracts [See amending act(s)].
SUMMARY
The Directive applies to distance contracts between a professional and a consumer, for the provision of a service or goods. A distance contract may be concluded by any means (by telephone, e-mail, catalogue, etc.) which do not require the simultaneous physical presence of the parties to the contract.
However, the Directive does not apply to contracts:
In addition, professionals may receive partial exemption (concerning the information requirements, the right of withdrawal and the performance of the contract) for contracts relating to:
Information for consumers
The professional must provide clear and comprehensible information to the consumer, in good time prior to the conclusion of the contract. They must give due regard to the principles of good faith in commercial transactions and the protection of persons who are unable to give their consent (such as minors).
Pre-contractual information includes, as a minimum:
In the case of telephone calls, the trader must identify themselves and their commercial purpose at the beginning of the call.
The professional must provide written confirmation of the pre-contractual information (or on another durable medium, such as electronic mail) at the time of performance of the contract or at the latest during delivery of the goods if they are being sent directly to the consumer.
However, written confirmation is not required if the performance of the contract is realised through the use of a means of distance communication, where the services are supplied on only one occasion and are invoiced by the operator using the means of distance communication.
The consumer also receives written confirmation regarding:
Consumers’ right of withdrawal
The consumer may make a decision within a period of seven working days, without penalty and without giving a reason. The only charge that may be made to the consumer is the direct cost of returning the goods.
The start of the withdrawal period varies. If the professional has met their obligations of providing information in writing to the consumer, it is calculated from:
If the supplier has not met their obligations to provide information in writing, exercising the right of withdrawal is extended for a period of three months, calculated from:
Where the right of withdrawal has been exercised by the consumer, the supplier shall reimburse the sums as soon as possible and within a maximum of thirty days.
However, the consumer may not exercise their right to withdrawal for all types of contracts, except if a specific conventional clause is provided by the parties. Withdrawal is usually impossible for the following types of contracts:
If the consumer has contracted credit for the goods or service, the credit shall be cancelled following the withdrawal without penalty.
Performance of the contract
In principle, the supplier has thirty days in which to perform the contract. If the goods or service ordered are not available, the consumer shall be reimbursed within 30 days. However, if the contract provides for this possibility, the supplier may procure goods or services of an equivalent quality and price to the original order.
Unsolicited supply of goods
The supply of unsolicited goods is prohibited. This supply is considered to be an unfair trading practice, even if the consumer has not indicated their refusal.
Communication techniques
If the supplier uses an automated calling system without human intervention (automatic calling machine) or a facsimile machine (fax), they must request the prior consent of the consumer.
However, they may use other distance communication techniques, except if there is clear objection from the consumer.
References
Act |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Directive 97/7/EC |
4.6.1997 |
4.6.2000 |
OJ L 144, 4.6.1997 |
Amending act(s) |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Directive 2002/65/EC |
9.10.2002 |
9.10.2004 |
OJ L 271, 9.10.2002 |
Directive 2005/29/EC |
12.6.2005 |
12.6.2007 |
OJ L 149, 11.6.2005 |
Directive 2007/64/EC |
25.12.2007 |
1.11.2009 |
OJ L 319, 5.12.2007 |
The successive amendments and corrections to Directive 97/7/EC have been incorporated in to the original text. This consolidated version is for reference purposes only.
Last updated: 12.05.2011