Balearic Islands Have New Consumer Law

New Consumer Law published in Balearic BOE on 31st of July, that will be valid as of November 1st 2014.

For the Balearic Islands this Law is a follow-up to the Statute of Consumers and Users, in existence since 1998, that was designed to fill the ´gaps´ in the current Law of Consumers, dating from 1984.

Special attention and protection in this law for ´vulnerable´ consumers, definition in this law for children, consumers over age of 70,  disabled consumers and tourists.

Whilst formerly ´consumer´ was understood as ´end-user´ in this new law the definition has been amplified to ´any person, fysical or juridical, that acts with a purpose other than his/her commercial activity, business, office or profession´.

Protected by this law are:

1. Health and Safety of consumers

2. Legitimate economic and social interests of consumers

3. The Right to Information and Education of consumers

Not covered by this Law are relations between consumers and the Public Administration and its offices, whenever they offer a service without payment or for which the payment is in the form of tax.

Basically, the law states that in case of a conflict, the interpretation of the Consumer Law will always be in favour of the consumer.

Maybe not so widely known, this Consumer Law also includes a complete listing of documentation required by law to be supplied by the seller of a house, to the buyer/consumer.

For those interested in the complete text, in Spanish: http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2014/08/20/pdfs/BOE-A-2014-8820.pdf

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.