palautuslausulla

Palautuslausulla is a term used in Finnish contract language to denote a clause that governs the return, exchange, or refund of goods or services. It appears in consumer contracts, online sales agreements, service subscriptions and warranties. The clause defines the conditions under which a seller accepts returns and issues refunds, and may cover eligibility period, product condition, proof of purchase, and method of refund.

Typical contents include: a time window for returning or canceling the purchase (for example, 14 or 30 days from delivery), acceptable conditions (unused, with original packaging), required documentation (receipt or order number), the process to initiate a return (contacting the seller, obtaining a return merchandise authorization), who bears return shipping costs, any restocking fees, and the form of the refund (money back, store credit, or replacement). Some clauses distinguish between consumer rights guaranteed by law and seller-based policies that offer additional benefits.

Legal context: In Finland, returns and withdrawal rights are part of consumer protection law and EU directives. A palautuslausulla may grant more generous terms than the statutory minimum, but it cannot override mandatory rights such as the right of withdrawal for distance selling. Unfair or disproportionate terms may be invalid under consumer protection or contract law.

See also: Right of withdrawal, Return policy, Consumer protection, European Union consumer rights directive. Etymology: palautus means "return" or "refund"; lausulla means "clause".