Questions and answers: Impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak on consumers

 

The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCC) monitors the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on consumers. The FCC provides information on its website about the outbreak and how it may affect consumers with regard to travel or service and event cancellations. The FCC keeps updating the guidelines on its website as soon as it receives relevant information. Many cases may need to be resolved only afterwards and on a case-by-case basis.

FCC: Coronavirus and consumer rights
Consumer Advice Services answers: 12+1 questions on the Corona Virus

As a rule, yes. However, in case of cancellations, your consumer rights will depend on whether you are an independent traveller (for example, you have booked flights only) or whether you have purchased a travel package (for example, a combination of flights and a hotel). As a rule, the rights of consumers who have purchased a package deal are better than those of independent travellers who have purchased, for example, flights only.

For more information, please visit the FCC’s website

The main rule is that the price paid by the consumer for the service must normally be reimbursed. You should therefore contact the service provider.

For more information, please visit the FCC’s website

If the problem concerns consumer law, you should first try to negotiate with the other party and consult the instructions on the FCC website. If the matter does not progress, you can contact the Consumer Advisory Services, which provide information, instructions and help with mediation in disputes between consumers and businesses.

For more information, please visit the Consumer Advisory Services website