Inappropriate or Unfair Practices are Prohibited

Marketing is never allowed to be inappropriate or otherwise unfair from the point of view of consumers. Unfair business practices can never be used in customer relationships. The Consumer Protection Act currently includes rather detailed provisions on what conduct can be regarded inappropriate or unfair. In addition the various statements and guidelines of the Consumer Ombudsman and the case law of the Market Court determine the content of the inappropriateness and unfairness. Advertisements cannot insult the human dignity or religious or political convictions. Advertisements cannot contain racism or pornographic pictures or texts. It is inappropriate to send goods to a consumer without the consumer’s order and require the consumer to return the goods or other measures in case the consumer does not wish to buy the goods.

Aggressive means in marketing or customer relationships are prohibited. Disturbance, coercion or other force that leads the consumer to make a decision he or she would not have otherwise done constitute all such aggressive means.