On 19 June 2026, a completely new law on consumer protection in relation to distance contracts for financial services will come into force in Slovakia. One of the new features introduced by the law is so-called additional protection in online interfaces, which prohibits:

• highlighting specific options when the consumer is making a decision, i.e. a ban on so-called ‘dark patterns’;
• repeatedly prompting for a choice that the consumer has already made once during an online purchase, particularly via pop-up windows; if the consumer indicated at the start of the process that they do not wish to receive a particular additional service, it is not possible to offer it to them again during the process of arranging the financial service;
• the introduction of a procedure for terminating or cancelling a distance contract that is more complicated for the consumer than the process of concluding the distance contract; in other words, if a financial services contract can be concluded simply by filling in details online, it is not permissible to require a document in paper form or a certified signature for its termination;

However, this Act also introduces a very significant change to the ‘general’ Consumer Protection Act, and thus has a direct impact on businesses, regardless of whether they offer clothing via their online shop, facilitate the conclusion of an electricity supply contract, or act as intermediaries for financial services. From 19 June 2026, virtually every trader will be required to introduce a ‘contract withdrawal button’. It is important to realise that it does matter:

• where the ‘contract withdrawal button’ is placed within the online shop, and how it is labelled;
• what information the consumer will need to provide in order to use this feature;
• otrhat the consumer can declare withdrawal within two  ‘clicks’.

Important: as the new Slovak  law on consumer protection in distance financial services transposes Directive (EU) 2023/2673 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which will enter into force on 16 June 2026, similar obligations will apply to all traders in the EU.

…

This material is for general information on current topics only, it is not advice. It does not take into account any special circumstances, financial situations or special requirements of the addressees. Recipients should therefore always seek appropriate professional services for the information provided. Notwithstanding the careful compilation of this material, bpv Braun Partners s.r.o. advokáti, its partners, associates or co-operating solicitors and tax advisers cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein and accepts no responsibility for acting or refraining from acting on the basis of the information contained in this material.