International Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 and aims to promote consumer rights and highlight current issues. Consumers International, the global umbrella organization for consumer rights, annually establishes a theme and coordinates campaigns for the day. The origins of this day date back to 1962, when U.S. President John F. Kennedy first recognized the fundamental rights of consumers. In 2025, the theme is “A Fair Transition to a More Sustainable Lifestyle,” emphasizing the role of consumers in making more responsible choices.
Fundamental consumer rights in the EU
Consumer rights affect all of us in everyday life, and their significance is particularly highlighted in the digital world, where an increasing number of purchases are made online. At the same time, consumers face new challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and unreliable online stores.
Within the EU, there are approximately 450 million consumers, and consumer protection legislation aims to safeguard their rights while ensuring safe and fair trade in various situations. Here are some of the most important rights that every consumer should be aware of:
- Passenger rights: If a flight is canceled or significantly delayed, passengers have the right to a refund of the ticket price or rebooking, and in some cases, the right to care and standardized compensation.
- Clear information: Consumers have the right to receive clear information about the product they are purchasing, including its price, potential delivery costs, and any additional fees before making a purchase decision.
- Right of withdrawal for online purchases: As a general rule, consumers have the right to cancel a purchase within 14 days without providing a reason, provided that the product is not custom-made or perishable.
- Fair contract terms: Contracts must be clear and must not contain unreasonable or misleading terms.
- Consumer protection in case of problems: If a product is defective or a service does not meet agreed-upon terms, the consumer has the right to compensation, repair, or replacement.
Consumer advisory services available
If a consumer encounters problems with a purchase, they can seek advice from the Consumer Advisory Services at the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) and the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Finland. The ECC primarily assists with cross-border issues when a consumer and a business operate in different countries within the EU, Norway, Iceland, or the UK. The Consumer Advisory Services at FCCA helps Finnish consumers with issues related to domestic companies. The websites provide a wealth of useful information for consumers.
More Information:
Consumer Advisory Services – Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority