When purchasing online from an enterprise operator in Taiwan, you may return the goods or rescind the contract via written notice within 7 days of receipt (the day after receiving goods counts as day 1), without providing reasons or bearing any expenses; the business operator must refund payment within 15 days of receiving the return. This right is governed by Articles 19 and 19-2 of the Consumer Protection Act (消費者保護法), commonly termed the "7-day appreciation period" and officially defined by the Consumer Protection Committee as a "cooling-off period" or statutory right of rescission. However, 7 statutory product categories—fresh produce, customized goods, newspapers/magazines, unsealed audio/video or software, online digital content, unsealed personal hygiene items, and international flight tickets—can be excluded if the merchant informs the consumer in advance.
Reminder: The 7 days are meant for you to deliberate over the purchase, not as a free trial period. As long as you dispatch the product or send written notice on or before the 7th day, the cancellation is valid without waiting for the seller to receive it; however, if the product is damaged beyond what was necessary for inspection, unconditional cancellation may no longer apply. Buying secondhand goods from private individuals who are not enterprise operators may not fall under these statutory protections. Specific individual cases are subject to interpretations by the Consumer Protection Committee of the Executive Yuan and the 1950 Consumer Service Hotline.
7 Days Calculation: Starting Day After Delivery, Mailing Counts
| Scenario | Calculation Rule | Legal Basis |
|---|
| General online shopping, TV shopping, mail-order catalogue | Within 7 days of receiving goods, rescind contract by returning goods or issuing written notice | Consumer Protection Act Article 19, paragraph 1 |
| Which day is Day 1 | Where a period is fixed by days, the initial day is excluded: the delivery day is not counted, and the next day is Day 1 | Civil Code Article 120, paragraph 2; Consumer Protection Committee FAQ 056 |
| Is it in time if dispatched on the 7th day | Contract rescission is deemed valid once goods are handed to carrier or written notice is dispatched within 7 days; arrival within 7 days is not required | Consumer Protection Act Article 19, paragraph 4; Consumer Protection Committee FAQ 056 |
| Cancelling before goods are delivered | Consumers may notify the enterprise operator in writing to rescind the contract prior to receiving goods | Enforcement Rules of Consumer Protection Act Article 18 |
| Merchant failed to provide return instructions | The 7-day period starts from the day following the date return information is provided; however, right of rescission expires if 4 months elapse from original 7-day start | Consumer Protection Act Article 19, paragraph 3 |
| Merchant stipulates "3-day limit only" or "handling fee deducted" | Any agreement in violation of Article 19 is void, and legal rescission rights remain intact | Consumer Protection Act Article 19, paragraph 5; Consumer Protection Committee FAQ 057 |
Example calculation (editorial illustration, not official example): If a parcel is received on November 3, November 4 is Day 1, and the 7th day is November 10; dispatching the item or issuing written notice on November 10 falls within the statutory deadline. If the 7th day falls on a Sunday, national memorial day, or public holiday, Article 122 of the Civil Code provides that the following working day takes its place; however, since Consumer Protection Committee FAQs do not elaborate specifically on the 7-day right, we recommend acting early rather than waiting until the last day.
Returns can only be executed in two ways: returning the physical merchandise directly, or notifying the merchant in writing. The Consumer Protection Committee clarifies that verbal notice (such as telephone calls alone) is insufficient to rescind a contract. Using built-in platform return functions, mailing goods with shipping receipts, provides clear evidence; for formal notifications, see how to send postal certified letters.
Which Items Cannot Be Returned: 7 Exceptions Announced by Executive Yuan
The proviso of Article 19, paragraph 1 of the Consumer Protection Act stipulates that distance transactions with reasonable exceptions do not apply the 7-day rescission right, regulated under the Executive Yuan's "Regulations on Reasonable Matters as Exceptions to the Right of Rescission of Distance Sales" (effective January 1, 2016 / ROC year 105). Under Article 2 of these regulations, 7 categories are listed, and the merchant must inform the consumer beforehand to exclude them; Article 18, paragraph 1, item 4 of the Consumer Protection Act also requires merchants to provide exclusion information in writing (or retrievable electronic format for e-commerce) when entering distance contracts:
| Statutory Exception (Article 2 Text) | Common Examples (Editorial Examples for Reference) |
|---|
| 1. Goods prone to decay, having short shelf life, or close to expiration when contract rescinded | Fresh fruits and vegetables, refrigerated cakes, foods with short validity periods |
| 2. Customized supplies made upon consumer's request | Goods printed from photos provided by consumer, items with engraved names |
| 3. Newspapers, periodicals, or magazines | Single-issue magazines, newspapers |
| 4. Audio-video products or computer software unsealed by consumer | Unsealed CDs, Blu-ray discs, boxed software (can still be returned if unsealed packaging remains intact) |
| 5. Digital content not provided in tangible medium or online services completed once provided, with consumer's prior consent | E-book downloads, online course serial codes, game points, provided prior consent was given |
| 6. Personal hygiene items unsealed by consumer | Unsealed undergarments, cosmetics (returnable if sealed) |
| 7. International air passenger transport services | International flight tickets purchased online |
Article 3 of the regulations further coordinates with mandatory contract provisions covering arts and entertainment tickets, highway passenger transport, domestic flights, tourism, and hotel reservations. In addition, Enforcement Rules Article 17 states that unpacking or inspection necessary to check the item does not extinguish the right of rescission; however, if the consumer causes damage, depreciation, or alterations beyond necessary inspection, unconditional return cannot be demanded.
Who Pays Return Shipping and Refund Deadlines: Two 15-Day Periods under Article 19-2
| Step | Deadline and Rules | Legal Basis |
|---|
| Consumer issues written rescission notice (without returning goods directly) | Unless separately negotiated, merchant must retrieve goods from original delivery address or agreed location within 15 days from day following receipt of notice | Consumer Protection Act Article 19-2, paragraph 1 |
| Merchant refund | Merchant must refund consideration paid within 15 days from day following retrieval of goods, receipt of returned goods, or receipt of service rescission notice | Consumer Protection Act Article 19-2, paragraph 2 |
| Return shipping costs | The statute explicitly provides that consumers need not give reasons or bear any expenses or consideration | Consumer Protection Act Article 19, paragraph 1 |
| Agreements on restitution | Agreements less favorable to consumers than Article 259 of the Civil Code are null and void | Consumer Protection Act Article 19-2, paragraph 3 |
Whether initial delivery shipping fees paid at checkout count as consideration paid that must be refunded together was not explicitly clarified in Consumer Protection Committee guidance reviewed; in case of disputes, dial 1950 to consult your local consumer service center, or call Taipei City Consumer Service Center directly at 02-2720-8889 ext. 7812, or New Taipei City Consumer Service Center at 02-2968-3092.
Regarding product condition, Article 17 of the Enforcement Rules of the Consumer Protection Act provides that if damage, loss, or alteration of goods occurs due to necessity of inspection or reasons not attributable to the consumer, the right of rescission is not extinguished. Conversely, Consumer Protection Committee FAQs explain that if damage or alteration is not for inspection or is attributable to the consumer, unconditional contract rescission cannot be claimed. Unpacking to verify exterior appearance or specifications generally counts as inspection; wearing items outside or damaging original packaging may result in merchants claiming compensation for depreciation.
Which Transactions Qualify for 7 Days and Which Do Not
- Applicable: Distance sales and off-premises sales. Distance sales refer to contracts where an enterprise operator uses broadcast, television, telephone, fax, catalogues, newspapers, magazines, internet, flyers, or other means so consumers contract without inspecting goods or services (Consumer Protection Act Article 2, item 10); off-premises sales refer to unsolicited contracting at consumer residences, workplaces, or public spaces (item 11).
- Not applicable: In-person purchases at physical brick-and-mortar storefronts after inspection. Consumer Protection Committee FAQ 059 notes that 7-day rescission applies only to distance or off-premises sales; other sales must rely on Civil Code rules, such as defect liability.
- Online auction and social media sellers: A 2005 administrative interpretation (ROC year 94) by the Executive Yuan Consumer Protection Commission states that when sellers on online auction platforms qualify as enterprise operators (even if individuals) and buyers are consumers, the 7-day rule applies. Whether an individual seller operates for business purposes is decided case by case.
- Purchases for commercial or business use: The Consumer Protection Act defines consumers as those engaging in transactions for end-consumption; the Executive Yuan online petition system clarifies that disputes arising from purchases for business or investment purposes do not constitute consumer disputes.
Editorial guidance (not official rule): Before requesting a return, take screenshots of the product page, order details, and return terms; when shipping back, use tracked postal or parcel delivery and save receipts; communicate with customer service only through in-app or platform channels. Fraud rings frequently impersonate platform service personnel claiming order errors need cancellation, as outlined in identifying fraudulent SMS and calls. If merchants refuse legitimate returns or delay refunds past 15 days, initiate complaints via consumer dispute complaint and mediation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 7-day cooling-off period mean free trial for 7 days?
No. The Consumer Protection Committee defines this window as a deliberation period for consumers to carefully evaluate the goods, not an unconditional trial period. If goods are damaged or altered beyond necessary inspection, unconditional cancellation cannot be claimed.
Is it in time if shipped back on the 7th day?
Yes. Under Article 19, paragraph 4 of the Consumer Protection Act, handing goods to a delivery carrier or dispatching written notice within 7 days legally rescinds the contract. Retain postal or carrier tracking receipts to prove dispatch date.
Is it legal for websites to state "no returns once unpacked"?
It depends on the product category. Unsealed audio-visual products, computer software, and personal hygiene goods can exclude 7-day returns if informed in advance; for items not within the 7 exceptions in Article 2 of the regulations, any contractual waiver of rescission rights is void under Article 19, paragraph 5.
Do I have to pay return shipping myself?
Article 19, paragraph 1 of the Consumer Protection Act explicitly provides that consumers rescinding contracts need not give reasons or bear any expenses or consideration. If a seller insists on deducting shipping or handling fees, dial the 1950 hotline for consultation or file a dispute.
How soon must the seller refund the money?
Under Article 19-2, paragraph 2, the merchant must refund money within 15 days starting from the day after taking back the merchandise, receiving your returned shipment, or receiving service contract termination notice.
Last updated: 2026-11-01
This article was compiled by SOSfix editors from public information for general reference only; for individual disputes, contact the Executive Yuan Consumer Protection Committee, the nationwide 1950 consumer protection hotline, or your local city/county consumer service centers in Taipei or New Taipei.
Sources
- National laws and regulations database: Consumer Protection Act (amended June 17, 2015 / ROC year 104, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 2 items 10 and 11 distance and off-premises sales definitions, Article 18 paragraph 1 item 4 exclusion notice requirement, Article 19 7-day rescission right and paragraphs 3 to 5, Article 19-2 two 15-day deadlines and restitution.
- National laws and regulations database: Regulations on Reasonable Matters as Exceptions to the Right of Rescission of Distance Sales (promulgated December 31, 2015 / ROC year 104, effective January 1, 2016 / ROC year 105, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 2 seven exception items and merchant notice requirement, Article 3 coordination with mandatory contract provisions.
- National laws and regulations database: Enforcement Rules of the Consumer Protection Act (amended December 31, 2015 / ROC year 104, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 17 inspection necessary for goods not extinguishing rescission right, Article 18 written rescission before delivery.
- National laws and regulations database: Civil Code (amended August 17, 2026 / ROC year 115, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): Article 120 paragraph 2 initial day excluded, Article 122 terminal day falling on holiday extending to next working day.
- Consumer Protection Committee, Executive Yuan: Consumer Protection Act FAQ 055 Can consumers in distance sales or off-premises sales rescind contracts (2016-09-30 / ROC 105/09/30, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): legislative intent of cooling-off period, verbal rescission insufficient, restrictions void, culpable damage preventing unconditional return.
- Consumer Protection Committee, Executive Yuan: Consumer Protection Act FAQ 056 How the 7-day period is calculated (2016-09-30 / ROC 105/09/30, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): counting starts day after receipt, delivery or written dispatch within 7 days complies.
- Consumer Protection Committee, Executive Yuan: Consumer Protection Act FAQ 057 Validity of agreements disallowing returns or deducting fees (2016-09-30 / ROC 105/09/30, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): such agreements are void.
- Consumer Protection Committee, Executive Yuan: Consumer Protection Act FAQ 059 Does 7-day rescission apply to all transaction types (2016-09-30 / ROC 105/09/30, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): applies only to distance or off-premises sales.
- Consumer Protection Committee, Executive Yuan: Consumer Protection Act FAQ 060, 060-1 Reasonable exception circumstances (2016-09-30 / ROC 105/09/30, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): 7 regulatory categories, Article 3 covering tickets, road transit, domestic flights, tourism, hotels.
- Executive Yuan: Consumer Protection Commission reply email Xiao-Bao-Fa No. 0940005329 on June 3, 2005 (web page dated 2012-05-23 / ROC 101-05-23, verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): online auction sellers acting as enterprise operators subject to 7-day rule.
- Consumer Protection Committee, Executive Yuan: Consultation windows - Local governments (verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): consumer service center phone numbers in Taipei City and New Taipei City.
- Executive Yuan Consumer Protection Committee Online Petition System: Online complaint instructions (verified 2026-11-01) (in Chinese): disputes arising from commercial or investment purchases do not constitute consumer disputes.
