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    What is the Consumer Disputes Board in Finland?

    How to take a consumer complaint further in Finland.

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    Short answer

    The Consumer Disputes Board (Kuluttajariitalautakunta) resolves disputes between consumers and businesses. The procedure is in writing and free, and the decisions are recommendations. Before applying, you usually need to have contacted the Consumer Advisory Services, or the European Consumer Centre for a foreign seller, as the law allows the Board to reject the case otherwise. In 2025 the Board received 7,545 applications and decided 7,795 cases.

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    Why

    1. The Board's 2025 annual report gives 7,545 applications received.
    2. The same report gives 7,795 cases decided in 2025.
    3. The Act on the Consumer Disputes Board sets the requirement to contact consumer advice first.

    Details

    Processing takes months. The Board's performance agreement targets an average processing time of 8 months in 2026, down from 13.5 months in 2024.

    Tip

    Attach the contract, receipts and your messages with the seller to the application.

    What may differ

    Many businesses follow the Board's recommendations, but they are not legally binding.

    Common misconception

    Taking a consumer complaint further in Finland always means going to court.

    What actually happens

    The Consumer Disputes Board offers a free written procedure without a court.

    People also ask

    • Who helps with a dispute with a seller in another EU country?
    • Does paying by credit card protect a purchase in Finland?
    • Do you have to accept a gift card instead of a refund?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Consumer rules can change and cases differ, so check KKV or the Consumer Advisory Services.

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