Tarbijahooldus

Tarbijahooldus is a term used in Estonian to describe the system of policies, services and activities that safeguard consumer welfare and enable people to make informed, safe and fair use of goods and services. The word combines tarbija (consumer) with hooldus (care or maintenance), highlighting the duty to look after consumers’ interests in the marketplace.

Key elements of tarbijahooldus include legal protection against unfair commercial practices, safety and conformity requirements for products, accurate information about products and services, and mechanisms for handling complaints and disputes. It also encompasses consumer education, guidance on warranties and contracts, and efforts to improve transparency in pricing and terms of sale. Public authorities, consumer organizations, and businesses often participate in implementing tarbijahooldus through laws, enforcement, information campaigns, and mediation services.

In practice, tarbijahooldus covers a range of services such as consumer information hotlines, guidance on how to exercise rights, recall notices for unsafe products, dispute resolution processes, and education about digital rights, data privacy, and safe online shopping. With the growth of e-commerce and cross-border trade, tarbijahooldus increasingly addresses online platforms, consumer data protection, and accessibility for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Overall, tarbijahooldus aims to strengthen consumer sovereignty, ensure market fairness, and increase trust in the marketplace. Related concepts include tarbijakaitse (consumer protection) and consumer education.