Tagastusavalduse

Tagastusavalduse is a formal declaration by a consumer to exercise the right of withdrawal from a contract or order, enabling a refund and the return of goods under Estonian consumer protection rules. It is commonly used in distance selling and other cases where the consumer may cancel within a cooling-off period.

A tagastusavalduse typically includes the consumer’s name and contact information, the trader’s details, the contract or order number, the date, a clear statement of withdrawal, and the signature. Although many traders provide a standard withdrawal form, a consumer may also send an unambiguous written notice that expresses the intention to withdraw, without using a prescribed form.

The cooling-off period for consumer contracts in Estonia aligns with EU rules and is generally 14 days from the day the consumer or a designated third party taken delivery of the goods, or from the conclusion of a service contract. When withdrawal is exercised, the seller must reimburse all payments received, including delivery costs, no later than 14 days after receipt of the withdrawal or of the returned goods. The consumer must return the goods in a timely manner and usually bears the direct cost of returning, unless the seller has agreed to cover it or the goods are defective.

Exemptions may apply, such as for sealed goods not suitable for return for health or hygiene reasons if unsealed, or for customized items. A tagastusavalduse can be submitted to the seller or through official consumer protection channels, and is a key tool for exercising the right of withdrawal in Estonia.