The Consumer Ombudsman is responsible for ensuring that companies abide by the laws and rules in the consumer field and ensures that consumer rights are respected.
Consumers should neither be subjected to misleading advertisements nor to unfair sales methods, dangerous products or unfair contract terms. There are a number of laws that prohibit this.
The Marketing Act. All statements and promises made in advertising have to be truthful. Companies must be able to substantiate their claims. Misleading or otherwise unacceptably unfair advertising may be prohibited. Particularly important facts must be included.
The Consumer Contract Terms Act. It is illegal to use conditions of contract that exclusively benefit the seller at the expense of the consumer. This may apply, for example, to the terms of a contract of sale, a rental agreement, warranties and order forms.
The Product Safety Act is intended to protect consumers from potentially dangerous goods and services. Dangerous products may be prohibited. The seller must supply the information needed for the prevention of injury. In certain cases, a company may be forced to recall a dangerous product and refund consumers' money.
The Consumer Sales Act applies when a consumer purchases a product from a retailer. The Act gives the consumer rights, for example where the product is defective and where delivery is delayed.
The Consumer Credit Act is intended to guarantee that the consumer will be informed of the true cost of buying on credit, whether the credit is in the form of a bank loan, instalment payments or credit on account. The consumer must be able to compare alternative forms of credit and compare credit to cash payment.
The Consumer Services Act applies when a supplier carries out work for or supplies services to a consumer. It provides the consumer with protection relating to, for example, repairs, work on property and storage of items.
The Consumer Insurance Act applies to insurance against damage. This Act includes rules on information, premium payments, settlement of claims and how insurance policies can be renewed.
The Price Information Act stipulates that consumers must be provided with clear and correct price information for goods and services, including in shop windows.
The Distant Sales and Door-to-Door Sales Act. When goods or services are distance sold, over the phone, on the Internet, by mail order or in the consumer's home, the consumer is entitled to cancel the purchase within two weeks. The seller must inform the consumer of this right when the goods are being marketed and when the sales agreement is made. The seller must also provide other basic information.
