What is a consumer purchase (consumentenkoop) under Dutch law?

Dutch term: Consumentenkoop | Legal basis: Articles 7:5-7:7a BW

A consumer purchase (consumentenkoop) under articles 7:5 to 7:7a of the Dutch Civil Code is a sale of goods by a professional seller to a natural person acting outside their profession or business. Consumer purchases are subject to additional mandatory protections that cannot be contracted away, including extended conformity requirements and the right to repair, replacement, price reduction or rescission.

The seller is responsible for non-conformity that becomes apparent within two years of delivery (one year for used goods). The consumer must notify the seller within a reasonable time. General terms that exclude or limit the seller's liability for non-conformity are void in consumer transactions. The black list (article 6:236 BW) and grey list (article 6:237 BW) provide additional protection against unfair terms.

Why it matters for international businesses

Although MAAK Advocaten focuses on B2B, manufacturers and importers selling through Dutch retail channels face consumer purchase rules at the end of their supply chain, which affects warranty allocation in upstream supply contracts.