Forbrukerklagenemnda

Forbrukerklagenemnda, or the Norwegian Consumer Complaints Board, is an independent national body that handles disputes between private consumers and businesses in Norway relating to consumer purchases and services. It operates within the country’s consumer protection framework and provides a streamlined alternative to court proceedings. The board can handle a wide range of general consumer disputes, including issues related to goods, services, warranties, delivery, and misleading advertising. In some sectors there are sector-specific schemes, but the Forbrukerklagenemnda covers broad consumer disputes that fall outside those specialized channels.

Consumers can file a complaint with Forbrukerklagenemnda after attempting to resolve the matter directly with the trader. The trader is notified and may submit a response. The board may request further information or documents and, in some cases, conduct a hearing based on written material. The board issues a written decision with its reasons, typically aiming for a timely resolution. The decision is binding on the parties who accept it; if a party is dissatisfied, they may pursue remedy or appeal through the ordinary courts.

Decisions are published by the board to promote transparency. The body is composed of members with input from consumer organizations, business interests, and legal professionals, ensuring a balanced, expert approach. It operates under the broader oversight of the Norwegian consumer protection system and serves as a accessible, low-cost mechanism for resolving everyday consumer disputes without going to ordinary court.