Consumer rights, returns, refunds and complaints
The 2-year right to complain (reklamationsret)
On almost all goods, you have a two-year reklamationsret: if an item is faulty due to a defect present at purchase, the trader must repair, replace, refund or reduce the price. This is a legal right, separate from any voluntary guarantee (garanti) the seller offers. Keep your receipt, a card statement or bank record usually counts as proof.
14-day cancellation on online orders (fortrydelsesret)
Most things bought online, by phone or off-premises come with a 14-day cooling-off period: you can cancel and return for a refund, usually without giving a reason. There are exceptions (perishables, made-to-order items, opened hygiene products), and you may pay return postage, so check the terms.
If the trader will not help
Complain in writing first. If that fails, you can take it to the Consumer Complaints Board (Forbrugerklagenævnet) or a sector-specific board, an inexpensive route that avoids court. For cross-border EU purchases, the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Denmark can help. Forbrug.dk is the official consumer-information hub.
Everyday tips
Prices shown must include VAT (moms). Subscriptions must be easy to cancel, watch binding periods on phone and broadband contracts. Pay by card for extra protection. If a company is on the RKI bad-payer register that is a red flag for reliability.
Common questions
How long is the right to complain in Denmark?
Two years (reklamationsret) on faulty goods, if the defect was present at purchase, the trader must repair, replace, refund or reduce the price.
Can I return online purchases in Denmark?
Usually yes, a 14-day cooling-off period (fortrydelsesret) applies to most online and off-premises purchases, with some exceptions.
What if a shop refuses to fix a faulty product?
Complain in writing, then take it to the Consumer Complaints Board (Forbrugerklagenaevnet), an inexpensive alternative to court.