What is the language cookie?
The language cookie is generated automatically by OpenCart, one of the most widely used open-source platforms for online stores. It appears as soon as a visitor loads an OpenCart-powered site that offers multiple interface languages, either on the first page load or when the user manually selects a language from the site's language switcher.
It is set by the store itself (a first-party cookie), not by an external provider, and is part of OpenCart's core multilingual content mechanism.
What data it stores
The cookie value is typically a short code indicating the active language (for example an identifier such as "ro", "en", or a similar internal OpenCart code). It does not contain personal data, email addresses, or user-identifying information.
The data stays stored locally in the visitor's browser and is read by the server on each subsequent visit to display the interface in the correct language; it is not sent to third parties.
What it is used for
The cookie's purpose is strictly functional: it remembers the visitor's preferred language so they don't have to select it again on every page or on returning to the site within the one-month window.
For the store owner, this cookie contributes to a consistent browsing experience across multilingual markets, reducing friction in the purchase journey for international visitors.
Does it require consent?
In CookieFix's classification, language falls under preferences (functional). Under the prevailing interpretation of the ePrivacy Directive (transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004) and ANSPDCP guidance, preference cookies that go beyond strictly necessary technical operation are generally treated as requiring the visitor's prior consent, similar to statistics or marketing cookies.
Site owners should declare this cookie in their cookie policy, categorize it correctly under preferences in the consent banner, and ensure it only activates after the visitor grants consent (or, if the platform owner considers it strictly necessary for core functionality, explicitly document that justification).
How to block or delete language
Visitors can delete or block this cookie at any time from their browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), in the section dedicated to site cookies and data. Blocking it does not affect the store's core functionality, but the interface language will revert to the default on each visit.
For site owners, the most practical way to stay compliant is using a CMP such as CookieFix, which automatically blocks scripts that set preference cookies until the visitor gives consent through the banner, preventing this cookie from being set prematurely.
Frequently asked questions
No. It's a functional, first-party cookie that only remembers the chosen language and contains no identifying or marketing-tracking data.
It typically lasts 1 month, after which the browser removes it automatically, and the site's default language will be shown again on the next visit.
Generally yes, since it's classified as a preference cookie rather than strictly necessary; we recommend including it in the appropriate category in the consent banner.
The store will work normally, but the interface language won't be remembered between visits and will revert to the site's default language.