tarbijakaitseseaduse

The tarbijakaitseseadus, or Consumer Protection Act, is a fundamental piece of legislation in Estonia designed to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in their dealings with businesses. This law establishes a framework for fair trade practices and ensures that consumers are protected from misleading information, unfair contract terms, and unsafe products.

Key provisions of the tarbijakaitseseadus cover a wide range of consumer transactions, including the purchase of goods and services, distance selling, and off-premises contracts. It mandates that businesses must provide accurate and complete information about products and services, including their price, characteristics, and potential risks. The law also addresses the issue of product safety, requiring that goods sold on the market meet all applicable safety standards.

Furthermore, the tarbijakaitseseadus grants consumers specific rights, such as the right to a cooling-off period for distance and off-premises contracts, allowing them to withdraw from the agreement within a certain timeframe without penalty. It also defines remedies available to consumers in case of defective goods or non-compliance with contractual terms, including the right to repair, replacement, or refund. The Act also outlines the responsibilities of businesses in handling consumer complaints and disputes. Enforcement of the tarbijakaitseseadus is typically carried out by relevant government authorities, such as the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority, which can investigate complaints and impose sanctions on businesses that violate the law.