Electrical appliances

Requirements for remote sales

Remote sales is a trade in which the buyer and the seller are not simultaneously present. Online stores are typical examples of remote sales. The product’s delivery method is irrelevant in remote sales. It is also a distance sale if the delivery method has been agreed as a store pick up, and the purchase agreement has itself been made at a distance. Remote sales have exceptions compared with normal trading. You can find more information on the rules of remote sales, such as advance information, on the website of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority.

The requirements for electrical appliances laid down in substance legislation are the same, regardless of where they are sold. However, in an online store, a device and its packaging are not physically viewable, so online store sellers must provide information relevant to the safe use of the equipment when it is sold. A device can be considered dangerous or non-compliant based on the information provided in the online store alone if the information provided is incorrect, or if the advertising is non-compliant.

You should inform about the following matters at least (if applicable):

1. The online store must provide information relevant to safety and/or purchasing decisions: Consumers must be able to determine whether they can use the electrical products safely.
2. The information provided on the product must not be misleading (for example, an electric grill intended only for indoor use should not be advertised with images in which it is used outdoors)
3. The information to be provided includes:
• Warnings
• Age or size restrictions (for example, toys)
• Restrictions related to the conditions of use (e.g. for indoor or outdoor use only)
4. Tell about restrictions on use or putting into service
• The electric product is intended for professional use only
• Only a qualified professional is allowed to install the electrical appliance
• Due to its EMC properties, the electrical appliance is unsuitable for use in a residential area
• Electrical product cannot be put into service without additional parts or devices which are not delivered with the product
5. The need for special tools during assembly, for example
6. You must mention the following information on electrical appliances
• Operating voltage of the appliance
• Does the appliance need to be connected to the power grid?
• Does the appliance work with batteries?
7. If the electrical appliance has an energy label, it must be displayed near the price either directly or with a layered display method. There must also be a product description close to the price. Further information: Electronic energy label and product description – Ekosuunnittelu.info
8. There are also requirements for chemicals, precious metals, cosmetics, personal protective equipment, gas appliances, and healthcare equipment and supplies

Good to remember: Even if an electrical appliance is sold online, the information and instructions relevant for safety must also come with the product itself (remember the language requirement).

Read more about remote sales

KKV: Online, mail and telephone sales are remote sales

KKV: Table of pre-contractual information

I Know My Product webinar: Requirements for online stores, stores and marketing from Tukes’ perspective

I Know My Product webinar: Seller’s liability in the online store from the perspective of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority