Consumer law protects buyers of goods and services against sellers and providers. We handle defective goods and services, rights of withdrawal, unfair terms and disputes arising from subscription and credit agreements.
Consumer law is the body of rules protecting a person acting for purposes outside their trade or profession; the principal text is the Consumer Protection Act No. 6502. The most practical feature of this field is that, depending on the monetary value of the dispute, there is a duty to apply first to the consumer arbitration committee.
Defective Goods and Services
Where the goods delivered do not have the qualities agreed in the contract or do not provide the expected benefit, the consumer has four alternative rights: free repair, replacement with a non-defective equivalent, a reduction in price, and rescission of the contract. Where the defect is latent, the time limits run from the moment the defect became known; where the seller is grossly at fault or has acted fraudulently, a limitation defence will not be heard.
Right of Withdrawal
In distance and doorstep sales the consumer may withdraw from the contract within the statutory period, without giving reasons and without paying a penalty. If the seller has not complied with the duty to inform the consumer of the right of withdrawal, the period does not start to run.
Financial and Subscription Disputes
Recovery of unlawfully charged file fees and insurance premiums on consumer loans, early repayment discounts; housing finance agreements; termination of subscription contracts and objections to unfair billing.
Unfair Terms
Terms inserted into a contract without being negotiated with the consumer, which create an imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations contrary to the rule of good faith, are not binding on the consumer and are void.
How to Proceed
- Consumer arbitration committee: application is compulsory, and free of charge, for disputes below the monetary threshold set each year.
- Consumer court: has jurisdiction directly for disputes above the threshold, and as the appellate body where a committee decision is challenged. Consumer claims are exempt from court fees.