Cross-Border Shopping

The European Union’s internal market offers consumers many opportunities to buy goods in other member states. To ensure a pleasant shopping experience outside Latvia, keep in mind a few important points that can help in case of a dispute with the seller or service provider:

• Always keep the purchase receipt, as it serves as proof of your contractual obligations with the seller.
• Make sure the selected product has all the features and properties necessary for your intended use.

Before making a purchase, the seller must provide clear and understandable information (unless it is already obvious from the context):

• The main characteristics of the goods or services.
• The seller’s identity.
• The final price of the goods or services, including all taxes and any additional delivery costs.
• Payment, delivery, and performance terms, including the time frame in which the seller commits to delivering the goods or providing the service, and how complaints are handled.
• A reminder of the consumer’s legal rights in case of defective goods, as well as information on warranty and repair conditions.
• For contracts of indefinite duration or those that renew automatically – the contract term and termination conditions.
• If purchasing digital content – information about functionality and compatibility with hardware and software (if known to the seller).

Defective Goods and Consumer Rights

If a defect is found in a purchased product that was not caused by the consumer, the consumer has specific rights under EU regulations.

The EU requires that the seller is responsible for product defects for two years from the date of delivery.

Non-Conforming Goods

According to Directive 1999/44/EC, the seller is responsible for any lack of conformity for two years after delivery. If you discover a defect within this period, you have the right to ask the seller to fix the issue.

Some EU countries, including Latvia, require consumers to inform the seller of the defect within two months of discovering it.

If you find a defect, inform the seller as soon as possible!

In Latvia, under the Consumer Rights Protection Law, a consumer can file a claim for non-conforming goods or services:

• Within two years from the date of purchase or service receipt.
• Within two months from discovering the defect.

Consumer Claims Against the Seller

A consumer can demand the following from the seller:

1. Free repair or replacement (unless impossible or disproportionate).
2. A price reduction or contract termination with a refund, but only if:
   • The seller fails to repair or replace the item within a reasonable time.
   • The repair or replacement causes significant inconvenience to the consumer.

The refund may take into account the wear and benefits obtained from using the product. However, consumers cannot demand a refund if the defect is minor.

Proof in Case of Dispute

To protect consumers, EU law shifts the burden of proof in their favor.

• If a defect appears within six months of delivery, the seller is presumed responsible. The seller must prove that the defect did not exist at the time of delivery.
• After six months, the consumer must prove that the defect was present when they received the product.

Commercial Warranty (Voluntary Guarantee)

In addition to the legal guarantee, sellers or manufacturers may offer an optional commercial warranty. This warranty provides additional commitments beyond legal requirements, but it does not replace the consumer’s legal rights.

Consumer Protection Laws

Consumer rights for non-conforming goods are regulated by Directive 1999/44/EC, which establishes minimum EU-wide standards. Member states can offer stronger consumer protections but not weaker ones.

This directive applies only to consumers (individuals purchasing for personal use) who buy from businesses engaged in selling goods as part of their trade.

In Latvia, the directive is implemented through the Consumer Rights Protection Law.