§ 29. Deadline for cancelling after late delivery
If the goods have been delivered — just late — you can still cancel the purchase, but you must notify the seller (selger) within a reasonable time after you learned of the delivery. If you wait too long to give notice, you lose the right to cancel the purchase. You may still keep any claim for compensation (erstatning).
Machine-translated from Norwegian. The Norwegian text is the one that applies. Read the original in Norwegian.Norsk English العربية Polski Українська
The text of the law (unofficial translation)
If the goods have been delivered late, the buyer (kjøper) cannot cancel the purchase unless he notifies the seller of the claim within a reasonable time after he learned of the delivery.
What does this mean?
The law sets a clear time limit for one specific situation: the goods arrived late, but they did arrive. You must then decide quickly — will you keep them or cancel the purchase?
The logic is simple. Once the seller has delivered, he must quickly find out whether or not you accept the delivery. He cannot be left wondering for weeks whether the purchase still stands.
"Reasonable time" depends on:
- What kind of goods they are
- Whether you have tested the goods
- Whether you have had reason to hesitate (for example holidays)
- What is normal in the industry
For an ordinary private purchase: a few days to a week or two is normally reasonable. Longer becomes risky.
Important: This applies only to cancellation of the purchase. Even if you lose the right to cancel, you can still claim compensation for specific losses the delay (forsinkelse) caused you (§ 27).
Examples
Petter has ordered a racing bike for NOK 38,000, with delivery agreed for 1 April. The bike does not arrive until 15 May — six weeks late. Petter is annoyed, but unpacks it and starts using it. Three weeks later he becomes even more annoyed and sends a message: "I am cancelling the purchase". Too late. Under § 29, Petter must have given notice within a reasonable time after he learned of the delivery. Three weeks while he was using the bike is too long. He can keep the bike and claim compensation for specific losses — but not cancel the purchase.
Sara had ordered a dishwasher with delivery agreed for 10 May. It arrives on 5 June. In the meantime, Sara has bought another one. She does not unpack it, and sends a message the same day: "I am cancelling the purchase — the delivery is late, and I have got something else." Sara has acted within a reasonable time (the same day) and can cancel the purchase. The seller must collect the machine and pay back what Sara has paid.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you have all the time in the world to decide — you do not
- Starting to use the goods and demanding cancellation afterwards — that signals acceptance
- Forgetting to send written notice — verbal messages are hard to prove
- Thinking you have nothing left if you lose the right to cancel — the claim for compensation remains
What should you do?
When the goods arrive late:
- Do not unpack and use the goods if you are considering cancellation of the purchase
- Make your decision quickly — ideally within a few days
- Write clearly: "I am cancelling the purchase because of the delay. I demand my money back."
- Keep everything in writing — the message, the date, proof that the goods arrived late
- Still claim compensation for specific losses
Frequently asked questions
How long is a "reasonable time"?
Do I lose everything if I am too late?
- § 22Claims in case of delay
- § 25Cancellation of the purchase in case of delay
- § 39Cancellation of the purchase in case of a defect