Consumer

Consumer law deals with the protection afforded to individuals when they purchase goods and/or services from businesses, other than in the course of their trade or profession.

Although it is widely accepted that the parties to a private contract are allowed to stipulate freely the terms and conditions of their contractual relationship, state intervention through rules and regulations allow for the protection of an individual acting as a consumer when, for instance, the service or the good purchased has been proven defective or not fit for purpose. Legislation will imply terms into a contractual relationship that would otherwise leave a consumer helpless and without a remedy.

The EU has legislated immensely on consumer protection and Cyprus also maintains its own legislation on consumer law.

Examples where consumer protection is afforded are shopping, internet and telecoms, travel, financial products and services, unfair treatment and unfair terms to name a few.