Consumer returns and warranty in Czechia (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: In the Czech Republic consumers can withdraw from distance and off-premises contracts within 14 days (§ 1829 Civil Code). Faultless goods from a shop can be returned only if the trader allows it. Defects can be claimed for two years and a defect that shows within one year is presumed to exist at takeover.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Right to cancel online purchasesReturning a purchase | Consumers can withdraw from a contract concluded at a distance or away from business premises within 14 days. For the purchase of goods the period ends 14 days after the consumer, or a third party named by them other than the carrier, takes delivery. If the consumer was not informed of the right, it can be used up to one year after the normal period. [1] |
| Returns from shopsReturning a purchase | Faultless goods bought in a shop can be returned only if the trader voluntarily offers this. Many traders do, but it is not their duty. [2] |
| Legal guarantee for defectsReturning a purchase | The buyer can claim a defect that shows within two years of taking over the goods. The period does not run while the buyer cannot use the goods after a justified complaint. [3] |
| Burden of proofReturning a purchase | If a defect shows within one year of takeover, the goods are presumed to have been defective at takeover, unless this is excluded by the nature of the goods or the defect. [4] |
| Goods excluded from cancellingReturning a purchase | No right to withdraw applies, among others, to made-to-order goods, goods that spoil quickly, sealed goods unsuitable for return for health or hygiene reasons once opened, sealed recordings or software once opened, newspapers and periodicals (except subscriptions), goods inseparably mixed with others, urgent repairs requested by the consumer, public auctions, and digital content not on a physical medium after performance began under set conditions. [5] |
Sources
- e-Sbírka (Ministerstvo vnitra ČR), otevřená data: Zákon č. 89/2012 Sb., občanský zákoník, znění od 1. 1. 2026, § 1829 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Evropské spotřebitelské centrum Česká republika (evropskyspotrebitel.gov.cz): Mohu vrátit bezvadné zboží, např. nevhodný dárek? – Evropské spotřebitelské centrum (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- e-Sbírka (Ministerstvo vnitra ČR), otevřená data: Zákon č. 89/2012 Sb., občanský zákoník, znění od 1. 1. 2026, § 2165 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- e-Sbírka (Ministerstvo vnitra ČR), otevřená data: Zákon č. 89/2012 Sb., občanský zákoník, znění od 1. 1. 2026, § 2161 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- e-Sbírka (Ministerstvo vnitra ČR), otevřená data: Zákon č. 89/2012 Sb., občanský zákoník, znění od 1. 1. 2026, § 1837 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.