forbrugeraftaleloven

Forbrugeraftaleloven, or the Danish Consumer Contracts Act, is a Danish statute regulating contracts between consumers and businesses for the purchase of goods or services. It covers contracts concluded online, by mail order, or away from business premises, as well as standard written or oral agreements. The act applies to private individuals acting for purposes outside their trade or profession and aims to promote informed decisions and protect consumers from unfair terms. It supplements other Danish consumer laws, such as Købeloven and Aftaleloven, and does not apply to business-to-business contracts or certain professional services.

Key provisions require traders to supply clear pre-contract information, including main characteristics, total price with taxes and delivery costs, payment terms, and the conditions governing withdrawal or cancellation. The act grants a cooling-off right of 14 days for most distance and off-premises contracts, enabling consumers to withdraw without penalty and return goods for a refund. Exemptions include personalized or perishable items, sealed goods where the seal has been broken, and services already performed with the consumer’s consent.

Regarding terms, the act prohibits unfair contract terms and misleading practices. If a consumer exercises withdrawal, the trader must refund payments, including standard delivery costs, within a specified timeframe; the consumer usually bears the cost of returning goods unless the trader failed to inform about withdrawal rights. Consumers may seek remedies for breaches, including repair, replacement, price reduction, or contract termination.

Enforcement falls to the Danish Consumer Ombudsman (Forbrugerombudsmanden), which provides guidance and can sanction violations. The law aligns with EU consumer rights directives and is periodically updated to reflect evolving protections for consumers in Denmark.