On July 1, 2024, a major revision of consumer law in Slovakia will become effective in the form of Act No. 108/2024 Coll. on Consumer Protection and on Amendment to and Supplementation of Certain Acts (the “Consumer Protection Act“), which will replace the current consumer regulations.

One of the reasons for the revision of consumer law was the lack of national transposition of the following European Union law:

1. Directive 2019/770 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services;

2. Directive 2019/771 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods;

3. Directive 2019/2161 amending certain directives, as regards the better enforcement and modernization of Union consumer protection rules.

Among other things, the Consumer Protection Act increases protection against artificially raising prices just before various discount and sales campaigns (e.g., Black Friday), fake reviews in the online space and responds to the problem of dual quality of goods in various European Union Member States.

It also extends the period for consumers to withdraw from a contract without giving a reason from the current 14 to 30 days if the contract was concluded in the context of unsolicited visits by a trader to a consumer’s home or excursions organized by a trader with the aim or effect of promoting or selling products to consumers.

It also introduces remedies for consumers who have suffered harm in cases where a trader has engaged in an unfair commercial practice against them and increases awareness when contracting through online marketplaces.

The Consumer Protection Act also reduces the administrative burden for traders compared to the previous regulation and introduces a “second chance” for traders in case of breach of their obligations and voluntary redress for the benefit of consumers.

Furthermore, unreasonably high penalties or penalties that would result in a trader going into liquidation should be a thing of the past.