🔧 Must the shop fix a faulty product in Finland?

Yes

Quick answer

Yes — 'the warranty expired' doesn't end the seller's duty. A warranty is a voluntary extra promise; statutory liability for defects is mandatory and lasts the product's reasonably expected lifetime: a thousand-euro washing machine should last years, whatever the warranty slip says. The 2022 reform strengthened buyers: a defect appearing within 12 months of delivery is presumed to have existed at handover — the seller must prove otherwise. The primary remedy is repair or replacement, then price reduction or cancellation.

📋 The rules

Seller liability is statutory and mandatory — independent of any warranty and surviving its expiry.
It lasts the product's reasonably expected lifetime: price, quality and use decide (appliances typically several years).
The 12-month presumption: defects within a year of delivery are presumed original — the burden of proof sits with the seller.
Remedy order: repair or replacement within reasonable time free of charge → price reduction or cancellation when correction fails.
Claims go to the seller (not forcibly the manufacturer) — the seller can't offload you to a service company.

🔓 Exceptions

Normal wear, user error and use against instructions aren't defects — consumables (battery decline) are judged case by case.
Used goods carry liability scaled to age and price; private-to-private sales sit outside consumer protection.

⚠️ Penalties

For sellers, dodging brings consumer advice, a Consumer Disputes Board recommendation and reputation risk — the board's rulings are followed almost always. Buyers should complain within reasonable time (2 months from noticing is always safe).

📎 Sources

Verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked questions

One-year warranty, machine died at 14 months — am I stuck?

No — statutory liability continues past the warranty for the product's lifetime. A quality machine should last well over a year: claim from the seller under liability for defects.

What does the 12-month presumption mean?

A defect within a year of purchase is deemed present at handover unless the seller proves otherwise — you needn't establish the cause.

Do I get an instant refund?

Not primarily — the seller may attempt repair or replacement within reasonable time. Cancellation or price reduction follows failed correction.

Seller or manufacturer?

The seller — they can't bounce you to the manufacturer or importer. Warranties may come from manufacturers, but statutory liability always belongs to the seller.

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