Which items cannot be returned after receipt: full list

Protecting consumer rights is the foundation of trust in communication between the seller and the buyer. If a product has defects or its quality does not meet expectations, it is important to have the option to return it. In Ukraine, such situations are regulated by the Law “On Consumer Protection.” In particular, this document specifies which items cannot be returned within 14 days.

List of Non-Returnable Items

The updated version of the Law on Consumer Protection was signed in 2023 and is expected to come into force after the end of martial law. The legislation, aligned with EU standards, includes a list of items that cannot be returned. The new list is similar to the previous one but better adapted to modern realities.

Health, Beauty, and Hygiene

• personal and sanitary hygiene items;
• medical products;
• medicines;
• perfumes;
• cosmetics;
• massage brushes;
• manicure tools;
• combs.

Textiles

• underwear;
• socks;
• stockings;
• lace;
• fabrics;
• tulle;
• bed linen.

Children’s Goods

• soft toys;
• rubber toys;
• inflatable toys;
• diapers;
• pacifiers;
• baby bottles.

Repair and Construction

• plywood and wood boards;
• pipes;
• timber;
• rolled and sheet metal products;
• carpets sold by the meter.

Smoking Products

• smoking devices;
• e-cigarettes;
• refill containers and e-liquids for e-cigarettes;
• tobacco products;
• pipes;
• mouthpieces;
• cigarette paper;
• filters.

Other

• food products;
• custom-made goods;
• wigs;
• aerosols;
• discs, audio and video tapes;
• magazines and newspapers;
• jewelry made of precious metals and stones.

Remember to inspect any item before purchasing. When shopping online, check whether the product is eligible for prior inspection and return.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, some items from the lists above can be returned to the seller within 14 days if they remain in sealed vacuum packaging. These include:

• brushes, razors, and combs;
• cosmetics and perfumes;
• bed linen;
• magazines and newspapers;
• manicure tools.

This list also includes headphones, audio and video media, cleaning products, gardening materials, and agricultural chemicals.

Return and Exchange нюances

It is worth noting that even intact packaging does not always guarantee the possibility of returning a product. Items such as food products, personal hygiene products, and medicines are non-returnable under any circumstances.

As for product categories not mentioned in this article, consumers have the right to return or exchange an item within two weeks if it does not meet their expectations. Returns are possible only if the product retains its original condition and appearance. Seals and labels must remain intact, and the buyer must keep the receipt.