Online Store Terms and Conditions - Denmark. Expansion into the Danish Market
Thinking about expanding your online business to Denmark? After deciding to expand your business, choosing the right legal structure, and developing a strategy, the next important step is to prepare reliable online store regulations – in Danish practice, referred to as " Handelsbetingelser ." or sometimes as " Vilkår og betingelser " or " Salgs - og leveringsbetingelser ” . The Handelsbetingelser (Handelsbetingelser) is a crucial element of the operation of an online store in Denmark. This document regulates sales, payment, and delivery rules, while also ensuring that the store's operations comply with the requirements of Danish consumer law .
Handelsbetingelser - Danish online store regulations
Danish regulations should clearly define the rules for sales, delivery, payment, withdrawal, and complaints. Sellers operating in the Danish market must comply with several key legal acts:
- Forbrugeraftaleloven (Consumer Contract Act) - implements the EU directive on consumer rights, regulates the information obligation and gives the customer a 14-day right of withdrawal from the contract,
- Købeloven (Act on the Sale of Goods) - provides for a minimum two-year seller's liability for defects in goods,
- E- handelsloven (Act on, among others, electronic commerce) - specifies the obligations of online sellers in terms of transparency, providing company data (including the CVR number), order confirmations and marking advertising content,
- Markedsføringsloven (Marketing Practices Act) - counteracts unfair commercial practices.
Compliance with these regulations is supervised by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority (DCCA) - a similar role to the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. The DCCA is responsible for the functioning of the market in Denmark by, among other things, enforcing the provisions of Danish legislation regulating consumer rights and competition rules, approving major mergers , and issuing withdrawal orders to companies that restrict competition.
Denmark also has the Forbrugerombudsmanden , the equivalent of the Consumer Ombudsman. This independent body also oversees businesses' compliance with trade-related regulations, including e-commerce and consumer protection.
Right of withdrawal in Denmark
For online stores, the most important right of withdrawal is the 14-day right of withdrawal. This applies to distance selling, including online and telephone purchases, and applies to both goods and services. Consumers are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, including delivery, and the seller may only charge the consumer for return shipping costs if this is clearly stated in the terms and conditions.
Complaints and seller's liability
The seller is liable for defects in goods for at least two years from purchase. During this time, the consumer may request repair, replacement, a price reduction, or a refund.
During the first 12 months, a defect is presumed to exist . If a product proves to be defective, it is assumed that the defect existed at the time of sale, and the seller must prove otherwise. After one year, the burden of proof shifts to the consumer.
Complaints procedure and response time
Complaints must be resolved within a "reasonable time." Generally, a response should be provided within 14-30 days of receipt. The regulations should clearly outline how to report defects (e.g., email, contact form) and consumer rights ( repair, replacement, return) . What rights does the customer have and how long will it take to receive a response? Failure to respond may result in DCCA intervention or referral of the case to Forbrugerklagenævnet. - the Danish body dealing with consumer disputes.
GDPR and personal data protection
As a member of the European Economic Area, Denmark applies the GDPR. Additionally, the Data Protection Regulation ( Databeskyttelsesloven ) applies there . / Danish Data Protection Act , which clarifies the principles of personal data processing in light of EU regulations. Store regulations must be consistent with the privacy policy—they should clearly define what data is collected, what it is used for, to whom it can be transferred, and what rights consumers have.
ADR - dispute resolution
Consumers in Denmark have access to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system. The key institution is Forbrugerklagenævnet , operating within the Nævnenes Hus (National Consumers' Union). This system allows consumers to easily pursue their rights, and its decisions are public and subject to appeal.
Handelsbetingelser is not only a legal requirement but also a signal to the customer that the company operates transparently and in accordance with Danish sales regulations. It should be written clearly, preferably in two languages , with the Danish version being given priority. The terms and conditions should be supplemented with a privacy policy and information on the right of withdrawal. and complaints, as well as easily accessible company contact details (address, telephone number, e-mail, CVR number).
Denmark is a market where transparency and respect for the customer are paramount. Terms and conditions that accurately describe the rights and obligations of both parties protect the seller from disputes while building the store's credibility. A well-prepared document, compliant with the Forbrugeraftaleloven , Købeloven , E- handelsloven, and Markedsføringsloven , is a key element in entering the Danish e-commerce market.