The exceptions relevant to fashion
- Goods made to the consumer's specifications or clearly personalised (custom tailoring, engraved items).
- Sealed goods which are not suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons and were unsealed after delivery (typically underwear and swimwear).
- Goods which, after delivery, are inseparably mixed with other items.
Standard ready-to-wear clothing does NOT qualify for the hygiene exception unless it is sealed and the seal has been broken.
What this means for your webshop
CleverSeal is not a hygiene seal within the meaning of Article 16(e). Do not use it to refuse returns on that basis — that would misapply the exception and create legal exposure.
CleverSeal is an evidence layer that supports value-reduction assessments under Article 14(2). That is a different, and stronger, legal foundation.
Official legal source
We summarise the law in plain language. Always confirm the current, authoritative text with the official publisher.
- Read the official legislation
Directive 2011/83/EU — Consumer Rights Directive
EUR-Lex
- Read the official legislation
European Commission Guidance on the Consumer Rights Directive
European Commission
- Read the official legislation
EUR-Lex — Access to European Union law
EUR-Lex
CleverSeal is not a law firm and this article is not legal advice.
