marktpraktijk

Marktpraktijk, or market practice, refers to the conduct of traders in the marketplace that can influence consumers' purchasing decisions. It encompasses advertising, promotion, sales techniques, contract terms, and after-sales service. The concept is used in consumer protection, competition law, and regulatory guidance to assess whether business practices are fair and transparent.

Under EU law, market practices are evaluated for unfairness. The core standard distinguishes between permissible business-to-consumer practices and unfair practices such as misleading statements, deceptive omissions, or aggressive selling tactics. Prohibited practices include false or deceptive claims about products, misleading price indications, hidden charges, or pressuring consumers to buy.

When a practice is deemed unfair, authorities may require changes, issue fines, or prohibit the practice. The framework aims to maintain a level playing field among traders and protect consumers from deception and manipulation.

In the Netherlands, marktpraktijk is addressed by national consumer protection legislation aligned with EU directives. The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) enforces rules against unfair market practices. Businesses across sectors are expected to provide clear information on price, terms, and conditions, and to avoid misrepresentation or coercive sales tactics. The Dutch term for the concept is oneerlijke handelspraktijken, often discussed in conjunction with EU consumer protection standards.

See also: Unfair commercial practices, consumer protection, marketing law.