Must a trader comply with a consumer disputes committee decision?
It cannot be forced directly — but the consequence is public and painful. Filing an application and having the dispute resolved is free, and a decision usually comes within 90 days. If the trader does not comply within 30 days, they are placed on the list of traders not complying with decisions — until the decision is fulfilled, but for no longer than 12 months. That list is public, and it is what makes most companies pay. And one important point: the committee's decision cannot be appealed — if you disagree with it, you can go to court against the other party. Proceedings are not opened where it is obvious that the trader will not comply anyway.
📋 The rules
- Applying is free
- A decision usually within 90 days
- The trader has 30 days to comply
- Otherwise — the blacklist
- Listed for up to 12 months
🔓 Exceptions
- The committee's decision cannot be appealed — the dispute continues in court
- Proceedings are not opened where it is obvious the trader will not comply
- The blacklist is public and lasts until the decision is fulfilled
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The committee's decision is not a court judgment — but it is cheap and fast. Free, 90 days, and a written procedure: for most consumer disputes this is the right route, not court. If the trader does not comply within 30 days, they go on a public list — which bites reputationally, often harder than a fine. If the money still does not come, the court route remains, and the committee's decision is strong evidence there. Two practical tips: first, send the trader a written complaint before applying — it is a precondition of the procedure; second, gather your evidence: the invoice, the correspondence, photographs. Without them even a free procedure is useless.
📎 Official sources
- Consumer Protection Authority · Disputes committee →
- Consumer Protection Authority · Applications →
- Riigi Teataja · Consumer Protection Act →
❓ Frequently asked
What does the procedure cost?
Nothing. Filing an application and having a consumer dispute resolved by the committee is free for consumers, which makes it the cheapest route compared with court proceedings.
How quickly does a decision come?
Usually within 90 days. The procedure is written, so you need not attend, and the outcome is communicated to the applicant in writing once the case is decided.
What if the trader ignores the decision?
If the trader does not comply within 30 days, they are put on a public list of traders not complying with decisions, until the decision is fulfilled but for no more than 12 months.
Can the decision be appealed?
The committee's decision cannot be appealed. If you disagree with it, you can take the same dispute to court against the other party and rely on the decision as evidence.
What must I do before applying?
Send the trader a written complaint and gather evidence — the invoice, the correspondence and photographs. Without them even a free procedure achieves nothing, since the burden is yours.
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