cooling-off period

[/ˈkuːlɪŋ ɔːf ˈpɪəriəd/]
nounpl: cooling-off periods
período de reflexão
1. A legally mandated waiting period during which a consumer can cancel a purchase or contract without penalty, typically for distance sales or door-to-door purchases
Most online purchases come with a cooling-off period of 14 days.
A maioria das compras online vem com um período de reflexão de 14 dias.
2. A designated time interval during labor disputes or industrial conflicts in which parties refrain from action to allow for negotiation
The government imposed a cooling-off period before the strike could begin.
O governo impôs um período de reflexão antes que a greve pudesse começar.
3. A waiting period between the end of a relationship or agreement and taking further action, intended to allow emotions to settle
The divorce law includes a cooling-off period before proceedings can be finalized.
A lei de divórcio inclui um período de reflexão antes que os processos sejam finalizados.
In Brazil, the cooling-off period is a consumer protection right established by the Consumer Protection Code (Código de Defesa do Consumidor). It is particularly important in e-commerce transactions and distance selling. In the USA, this concept is regulated by the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR Part 429) for certain types of transactions. In Portugal, EU law mandates a 14-day cooling-off period for distance contracts. The concept reflects a broader consumer protection philosophy that acknowledges the vulnerability of buyers in certain purchase situations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
waiting periodreflection periodgrace periodreconsideration periodperíodo de arrependimento
Antonyms / Antônimos
immediate actioninstant purchaseação imediata

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
período de reflexão
Most common and official term used in consumer law
General Brazilian
período de arrependimento
Commonly used in commercial contexts, emphasizes right to reconsider
São Paulo
prazo de desistência
Alternative term, more formal in legal documents
Portugal
período de reflexão
Official term in Portuguese consumer protection law (LCCV)

Related Words

consumer protectionright of withdrawalcontract cancellationlabor disputedistance sellingproteção ao consumidordireito de arrependimentonegociação

Related Idioms & Phrases

take time to cool off
give someone breathing room
sleep on it
tirar um tempo para pensar
dar tempo para refletir
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