Trends and changes in consumer protection in the Slovak Republic as of July 2024

Abstract

Following an initial exploration of historical context, this paper examines the substantial changes introduced to consumer protection under the Slovak legal framework as of July 2024, with the enactment of Act No. 108/2024 Coll. on Consumer Protection. The discussion focuses on key aspects of the legislation, including consumer rights, traders' information obligations toward consumers, the right of withdrawal, deceptive acts and omissions, aggressive or misleading commercial practices, debt recovery procedures, complaint handling, and contracts concluded remotely or outside the trader's business premises. Additionally, the paper highlights the benefits of the new legislation for traders, particularly in reducing administrative burdens that were previously excessive and offered little practical value to consumer protection.