If goods or services are defective as defined by law, the consumer is entitled to compensation. Consumer may seek advice as to his rights and assistance to have a dispute mediated from municipal consumer adviser. The Finnish Consumer Complaint Board can issue a recommendation in a dispute between a consumer and a trader.
The Consumer Protection Act defines, in general terms, what a defect is and the procedure to follow when there is a defect.
The following are examples of defects for which compensation must be made:
The Consumer Protection Act does not have the same kind of classification for a defect in a service, such as repair or renovation work. The Act requires that the work be carried out professionally and with due care, that the firm gives the consumer sufficient information about the work and the final outcome of the work, and that the firm also advises the consumer on the sensible way to have the work done. In assessing whether a good or service is defective, the generally accepted standards are mainly taken into consideration and not the individual consumer s expectations. A consumer should contact a municipal consumer adviser already at the stage when considering whether his own case is a question of a defect for which compensation should be given.