Consumer protection

Published: 16 April 2025

Definition of consumer

Pursuant to Section 8:1 .§ Paragraph(1) 3rd point of Act V of 2013 on the Civil Code, consumer means a natural person acting outside his profession, independent occupation or business activity.

Consumer protection complaints

For help with consumer protection problems, you can contact three institutions:

A consumer complaint is a specific request that falls outside the scope of any other (for example, judicial) procedure. Its aim is to eliminate the harm to individual rights and interests.

The Consumer Protection Authority acts in the event of a breach of consumer protection law, i.e. when a consumer has experienced an infringement by a trader. Local county government offices act as consumer protection authorities. Complaints can also be submitted electronically to the Authority via the Citizen Portal at the following link: https://magyarorszag.hu/szuf_ugyleiras?id=61bf1c56-3705-4710-8d3d-8cfcdc972e26

Arbitration boards aim at resolving disputes between consumers and traders quickly, independently and amicably, avoiding lengthy and complex court proceedings, resolving disputes by settlement and facilitating individual redress. Arbitration boards have been operating in Hungary since 1999. For their contact information, click here: https://fogyasztovedelem.kormany.hu/#/bekelteto_testuletek_elerhetosegei_2

The European Consumer Centre provides assistance and information for cross-border consumer complaints and disputes with foreign businesses and online shops.

It is important to note, however, that consumers should always contact the trader or company in the first instance, and that contacting the institutions is the last step.

For more useful information on how to file a complaint, we recommend you visit the following website: https://fogyasztovedelem.kormany.hu/#/hova_fordulhatok