The rules for returns in Czechia: How to take back unwanted holiday gifts

Those who find themselves with gifts that don’t quite fit after the holiday season have options: in Czechia, it’s possible to return or exchange items with relative ease whether the gifts were purchase online or in-store. The Czech Trade Inspectorate offers this advice on your legal rights when it comes to returns.

According to Czech law, if you’ve purchased something online, you can return the goods within 14 days without needing to provide a reason. The seller is required to refund the purchase price and delivery costs, but you will be responsible for covering the return shipping fees—unless the store specifies otherwise in its terms and conditions. Many online retailers extend this return period beyond the legal minimum.

For instance, stores like Astratex, Mohito, and Reserved offer up to 30 days for returns, while Baťa and Zoot allow 60 days. Around Christmas, some retailers also temporarily extend the return period.

While you can return goods within the statutory period, there are a few important rules to follow, according to the Czech Trade Inspectorate.

Returning items bought in physical stores is not a legal right, although many large retailers and chain stores may allow exchanges or returns as part of their customer service policy. However, stores are not obliged to offer this, and they may set stricter conditions—such as needing the item in original packaging or unused. If a store does not offer returns, there’s still a possibility they may accommodate exchanges, especially if you present a receipt.

If you’ve received a gift and wish to return or exchange it, the process is slightly more complicated. Technically, only the original purchaser has the right to return the goods. If you’re the recipient and want to return or exchange a gift, the purchaser must usually be the one to handle the return. However, in some cases, the seller may accept the return if the purchaser assigns their rights under the purchase contract to the gift recipient.

Knowing the legal framework and store policies from the outset helps avoid complications. As a gift giver, always be sure to check the terms and conditions of both online and in-store purchases and don’t forget to keep you receipts handy.