In the lays down provisions on the transition period, extending until the end of 2020, that is needed in order to move from the withdrawal to the future relationship. The transition period means extending the application of the EU’s current rules. Even at this late stage, there is much uncertainty about Brexit and the situation is constantly shifting.
NOTE! Consumer authorities cannot assist consumers in other Brexit-related issues, such as residence permits, travel documents, air operation certificates and customs duties. Information on topics related to Brexit have been published on the website of the Prime Minister’s Office at vnk.fi/en/information-about-brexit.
Who can help consumers in no-deal Brexit-related issues?
In the event of a problem, consumers should always primarily contact the company (airline, tour operator, online shop, service provider, etc.) whom the matter concerns in order to try to resolve the issue. It should be noted that there is a great deal of uncertainty around no-deal Brexit, and details may still change.
NOTE! Consumer authorities cannot assist consumers in other Brexit-related issues, such as residence permits, travel documents, air operation certificates and customs duties. Information on topics related to Brexit have been published on the website of the Prime Minister’s Office at vnk.fi/en/information-about-brexit.
The European Consumer Centre in the UK
The European Consumer Centre advises consumers on consumer protection within the EU and mediates disputes in issues related to cross-border trade, in other words when consumers purchase products or services outside their home country from another EU member state, Norway, Iceland or UK. The ECC network currently has an office also in the UK.
Depending, among other things, on the content of the Brexit agreement and the length of the transition period, ECC UK is likely to continue to operate for some time after the Brexit, even throughout 2020. The situation may change, but for the time being we can help and advice Finnish consumers who have a problem with a British company as usual. If necessary, we are in contact with our customers who have a case pending in the UK.
Consumer Advisory Service in matters related to Finnish companies
The Consumer Advisory Service is a national service that provides information on how consumer protection legislation is applied in Finland, personal advice, and mediation assistance in disputes between consumers and Finnish businesses. If the matter cannot be resolved with the help of the Consumer Advisory Service, consumers may refer it to the Consumer Disputes Board.
Consumer Ombudsman
The principal duty of the Consumer Ombudsman is to supervise compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and other legislation enacted for the protection of consumers in Finland. Supervision primarily focuses on legal compliance in marketing activities, contractual terms and conditions and debt collection. The objective of supervision is to ensure that the violating company ends or alters its illegal marketing activities or unreasonable terms of contract. The Consumer Ombudsman also supervises compliance with the rights of passengers in cooperation with Traficom. The Consumer Ombudsman has the right to also address the activities of foreign companies that target their sales or marketing to Finland (for example by advertising or maintaining an online shop in Finnish). As a rule, the Consumer Ombudsman does not handle individual disputes in which consumers seek compensation for defects in goods or services. Such cases are handled by the Consumer Advisory Service, the European Consumer Centre Finland and the Consumer Disputes Board.