Kuluttajasopimuslaki

Kuluttajasopimuslaki, or the Consumer Contracts Act, is a Finnish law that governs contracts between consumers and traders in Finland. It applies to agreements for the sale of goods and the provision of services, including contracts involving digital content, and covers both standard shopping and contracts concluded at a distance or away from the trader’s ordinary place of business.

The act sets obligations related to contract formation and information. Traders must provide clear and understandable pre‑contract information, including price and total charges, delivery or performance terms, and the consumer’s rights. It also prohibits unfair contract terms and requires terms to be drafted in a way that is fair and comprehensible to the average consumer.

In cases of breach or defects, Kuluttajasopimuslaki provides remedies for consumers, such as repair or replacement of faulty goods, price reduction, or termination of the contract with a possibility of refund. The law also governs the consumer’s right of withdrawal or other cancellation rights in applicable contracts, subject to specific exceptions.

Enforcement and guidance are provided by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, with disputes commonly resolved through the Consumer Disputes Board, whose non-binding decisions are typically followed by traders. The act complements broader Finnish consumer protection legislation and EU directives related to unfair terms and consumer rights, and it is periodically updated to reflect changes in European law and national policy.