How do I cancel a subscription and what notice period applies in the Netherlands?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
After the fixed term, most Dutch consumer subscriptions can be cancelled at any time with no more than one month's notice. During the fixed term, early termination is usually possible only if the contract permits it or the provider seriously defaults.
On this page
1. Identify the contract
This page concerns a Dutch consumer subscription or supply contract. Association memberships, insurance, telecom and energy may have additional rules. Record the provider, product, start and fixed end dates and any later offer; an accepted new offer can be a new contract rather than a renewal. Association membership is not an ordinary subscription: obtain the articles from the board and check the cancellation method and end date. The one-month rule does not automatically apply. Telecom contracts often start with one or two fixed years; automatic renewal carries at most one month’s notice, but accepting a new offer may start a new fixed term.
2. Check the fixed term
During a valid fixed term, you usually cannot cancel early without cost. Early termination may be possible if the terms allow it, the provider agrees, or the provider materially fails after a reasonable opportunity to remedy. Otherwise give written notice now for termination on the fixed end date.
3. Check renewal and notice
After tacit renewal, most subscriptions may be cancelled at any time with a maximum one-month notice period. If the terms specify no notice, cancellation takes effect immediately. A newspaper or magazine appearing less than monthly may use up to three months; a trial newspaper or magazine subscription must end automatically. A new consumer subscription longer than one year needs justification, such as a genuine benefit; otherwise the consumer can generally cancel after one year. Telecom has specific rules. A newspaper or magazine may also renew silently for up to three months if you can stop at that term’s end with no more than one month’s notice. Indefinite renewal is another option; the one- or three-month notice periods described above then apply.
4. Use the correct cancellation method
You may always cancel in writing and generally in the same way you entered into the contract. If concluded online, online cancellation must be available. State customer and contract numbers, requested end date and ask for confirmation. Keep proof of sending and receipt.
5. Record the end date and payments
Check the confirmed end date, final invoice and direct debit. Do not reverse every payment without explanation: a valid final period or settlement may remain due. Keep the contract, terms, offer, cancellation, receipt, confirmation and bank statements in one timeline.
6. Act if cancellation is refused
If the provider refuses or continues charging, dispute the end date in writing and show your calculation. Request correction and repayment by a clear date. First check special rules for energy, telecom, insurance or membership. Obtain advice on termination, repayment, dispute resolution or proceedings when the issue remains contested.
What cancellation wording can I use?
Draft to complete: ‘I cancel subscription [name/number]. It began on [date] and I request termination on [date], applying the valid notice period. Please confirm the end date and any final invoice in writing. I do not accept new instalments after the end date.’ Check the contract, exceptions and date. This website does not send it.
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- Contract and confirmation
- Terms at conclusion
- Start and fixed end dates
- Renewal notice or new offer
- Cancellation and delivery proof
- Confirmed end date
- Final invoice and bank statements
- Written dispute
Where can you cancel your subscription?
Choose your brand and who manages and bills your subscription. This guide shows the route; we do not cancel anything for you.
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Sources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
ACM ConsuWijzer · Abonnement opzeggen ↗ACM · Annuleren en opzeggen ↗Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek6 · artikelen236 en237 ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.