Distansavtal

Distansavtal, or distance contracts, are agreements between a trader and a consumer that are concluded without the consumer and trader being physically present in the same location. Such contracts are typically concluded via distance communication methods like telephone, mail, email, or the internet. Distansavtal cover the sale of goods as well as the provision of services and apply to transactions within Sweden and the EEA, providing specific protections for consumers in non-face-to-face purchases.

Legal framework and information obligations

Distansavtal are governed by the Swedish Act on Distance Contracts and Contracts Outside of Business Premises. The act implements EU consumer protection norms and establishes rules on information to be provided before a contract is concluded, rights of withdrawal, and remedies. Traders must furnish clear pre-contractual information, including the trader’s identity and contact details, a description of the goods or services, total price and any additional costs, delivery terms, payment terms, the right of withdrawal, and how complaints will be handled.

Right of withdrawal

Most distansavtal give the consumer a 14-day cooling-off period during which the contract can be canceled without reason. The withdrawal period starts when the consumer receives the goods (or when a service contract is formed). The consumer must communicate the withdrawal and return the goods within the 14-day window. The trader must reimburse payments, including delivery costs, within 14 days of withdrawal or receipt of the returned goods.

Costs and exceptions

Consumers usually bear the cost of returning goods unless the trader has agreed to cover them or failed to provide withdrawal information. Exceptions to the withdrawal right include sealed items that cannot be returned once opened, perishable goods, or digital content delivered with the consumer’s consent to begin immediately.

Remedies

If a product is faulty or not as described, the consumer may require repair, replacement, price reduction, or cancellation with a refund, depending on circumstances.