Kuluttajariitalautakunta

Kuluttajariitalautakunta, or the Consumer Disputes Board, is a Finnish non-judicial body that settles disputes between consumers and traders. It provides an accessible, free-of-charge forum designed to help resolve consumer complaints without going to court. The board’s remit covers most disputes arising from consumer purchases and services, including goods bought online or by distance selling, warranties, repairs, and contract terms. It does not handle purely commercial or purely private disputes between businesses, nor certain professional or employment-related matters.

The board operates by accepting complaints from consumers who wish to have their case examined, typically with supporting documents. The trader is invited to respond, and the board may request additional evidence or expert input. After reviewing the case, the board issues a reasoned decision or opinion intended to clarify rights and obligations and propose a resolution. The board’s decisions are not binding as court judgments, but they carry persuasive weight and are commonly followed by traders. A consumer may still pursue court action if dissatisfied or if the trader does not comply.

The Kuluttajariitalautakunta functions within the Finnish consumer protection framework and is overseen by public authorities. It provides services in Finnish and Swedish and aims to deliver timely, practical guidance to resolve disputes and promote fair treatment in the marketplace.