Does Every Online Purchase Have a Seven-Day Cooling-Off Period in Taiwan?
Know99 小助手
2026-09-18
Does Every Online Purchase Have a Seven-Day Cooling-Off Period in Taiwan?
Online shopping is convenient, but what happens when a product does not meet your expectations?
Many consumers have heard of Taiwan’s “seven-day cooling-off period.” However, this right does not apply to every purchase, and it does not mean that a product can be used freely for seven days and then returned without consequences.
What Is the Seven-Day Right of Cancellation?
Under Article 19 of Taiwan’s Consumer Protection Act, consumers who enter into a distance contract, such as an online purchase, generally have the right to cancel the contract within seven days after receiving the goods or accepting the service.
The consumer usually does not need to provide a reason for cancellation.
This is commonly called the “seven-day cooling-off period,” but its legal nature is a right to cancel a distance contract, not an unlimited trial period.
How Should Consumers Exercise the Right?
Consumers should take the following steps:
- Confirm that the transaction is a distance contract.
- Notify the business within the applicable period.
- Use email, an online customer-service system, or another method that creates a record.
- Keep the order confirmation, payment record, and communication history.
- Return the goods according to the business’s instructions.
- Keep the shipping receipt and tracking information.
A consumer may not always be required to use the company’s standard return form. However, keeping evidence of the notice and its timing is important.
Are There Exceptions?
The seven-day cancellation right may not apply to certain goods or services, including:
- Customized products made according to the consumer’s specifications
- Goods that can deteriorate or expire quickly
- Unsealed audio or video recordings
- Unsealed computer software
- Unsealed personal hygiene products
- Digital content or online services that have already begun with the consumer’s consent
- Other exceptions provided by applicable regulations
A business cannot avoid the law simply by posting a general “no returns” policy. Any exception should be legally applicable and clearly disclosed before the transaction.
Can a Product Be Returned After It Has Been Opened?
The key question is usually whether the consumer went beyond what was necessary to inspect the product.
Consumers may generally inspect an online purchase to the extent that would be possible in a physical store. However, excessive use, damage, stains, missing accessories, or other changes may affect the consumer’s rights.
After receiving a product, consumers should:
- Keep the original packaging
- Preserve all accessories and documents
- Avoid unnecessary use
- Keep important labels intact
- Photograph the product if necessary
- Notify the business promptly if they want to cancel
How Long Does the Business Have to Refund the Money?
After a valid cancellation, the business generally must return the money within the period required by the Consumer Protection Act and related regulations.
The actual date on which the money appears in a bank or credit-card account may be later because of payment-processing procedures. Consumers should distinguish between the date the business processes the refund and the date the funds are actually received.
Common Misunderstandings
The Period Is Not Always Seven Business Days
A statutory period of seven days should not automatically be interpreted as seven working days. The method of calculating the period may depend on the applicable legal rules and the specific transaction.
The Right Does Not Always Eliminate All Liability
If a product falls under a statutory exception, or if the consumer causes damage by using it beyond what is necessary for inspection, the consumer may not be entitled to a full refund without responsibility.
A Business Policy Cannot Automatically Override the Law
Statements such as “all sales are final” or “opened products cannot be returned” must still comply with consumer-protection laws and applicable regulations.
What Should Consumers Do in a Dispute?
If the business refuses to process a lawful return, consumers should:
- Submit a written request to the business.
- Keep copies of all relevant evidence.
- Contact a local consumer service center.
- Apply for consumer dispute mediation if necessary.
- Seek professional legal assistance if the dispute involves substantial losses.
Conclusion
The seven-day cancellation right protects consumers who cannot physically inspect goods before buying them. It is not an unlimited right to use products and return them without conditions.
The best practical approach is to notify the business promptly, preserve the product carefully, and keep clear evidence of the transaction.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice. The applicable result may differ depending on the type of transaction, the nature of the product or service, the contract terms, and the latest regulations.