On 15 November 2024 members from Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden participated in the 7th annual Retail Market Workshop arranged by NordREG in Copenhagen.
A broad range of topics were discussed at the workshop. Sweden has experienced an increase in the number of consumer complaints in 2024.
Norway has investigated and revealed a high level of breaches of the information obligations in invoices. In addition, Norway has handled special cases concerning incorrect prepayments demands and incomplete terms and conditions in supplier contracts. Norway has introduced a “cooling off” period of 24 hours when a customer signs a new contract for sales channels such as door-to-door sales, telemarketing etc.
Denmark is working on updating and adjusting reporting to the price comparison tool, Elpris.dk. Denmark has also introduced new legislation that should make it easier for consumers to navigate and compare prices and products on the Price Comparison Tool.
Some of the most challenging monitoring cases in the respective member states concern the use of contract termination fees and repayments to consumers in connection with contract terminations.
Finland has experienced challenges especially in relation to repayments to consumers arising out of a special scheme introduced to counter the high energy prices in connection with the energy crisis in 2022.
Other cases included lack of information to the consumers, defective reporting to price comparison tools, including information regarding the different products and prices, as well as lack of compulsory information in invoices.