Summary 2005

Estonian Consumer Protection Board (later Board or CPB) was founded in May 1994. The main objectives of the CPB arise from the Consumer Protection Act, where the basic subjects of consumer protection policy are enacted for Estonia. The activities of the Board in 2005 were pursuant to the rights given by 29 acts of public law and some 41 subordinated regulations to certain laws, concerning the consumer protection sphere. In addition to them certain regulations of European Council and Parliament, were taken into account.

In connection with creating the new department - European Consumer Centre of Estonia (ECC), the CPB expanded the possibility to help consumers in case of problems related to the cross-border purchases. Also, by intermediating complaints to the Consumer Complaints Committee, which functions as an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), the Board can offer to consumers more possibilities to settle disputes between consumers and traders. Since the ECC of Estonia is the member of the European Consumer Centres Network it also facilitates for consumers the access to other ADR schemes developed in EU.

The main activities of the Board in 2005 were as follows:

• general legal protection of consumers;
• supervision of safety and quality of goods and services;
• protection of consumer’s economic interests;
• consumer education and advice;
• cooperation with voluntary consumer organizations;
• collaboration with international institutions on consumer issues.

As of 1^st of January 2006, the personnel of the CPB consisted still of 62 employees, taking into account 3 employees of the new department - European Consumer Centre of Estonia. The budget of 2005 amounted 18,3 mln EEK (1170 thousand EUR) thanks to international projects (the budget of 2004 amounted 9,9 mln EEK).

The Board continued to be actively engaged in market supervision and consultation of consumers. Many activities of the Board were initiated on the basis of complaints received from the consumers. In comparison with earlier years, one can admit that by the help of the Board, the situation on Estonian consumer market has improved significantly.