Your Consumer Rights in Sweden: Complaints and Warranties

If you’re living in Sweden as a foreign citizen, it’s important to understand your rights as a consumer. Whether you’re buying electronics, furniture, clothes, or groceries, Swedish law offers strong protection. This article explains key parts of Swedish consumer law — especially your right to complain (reklamation) and the role of warranties (garanti).

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What Is Consumer Law in Sweden?

In Sweden, consumer rights are protected under the Consumer Sales Act (Konsumentköplagen). This law applies when a private person buys goods from a business. It does not apply to purchases between two private individuals or between businesses.

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You Have the Right to Complain – for Three Years

One of the most important protections under Swedish law is the right to file a complaint (reklamation) if a product is defective or does not meet reasonable expectations.

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• You have up to three years to complain from the date of purchase.

• You must notify the seller within two months after you discover the problem.

• The defect must have existed at the time of delivery.

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It’s important to note that the seller — not the manufacturer — is responsible for addressing the issue.

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What Can You Demand If the Product Is Faulty?

If the product is defective, you may be entitled to:

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• Repair of the product

• Replacement with a new item

• Price reduction

• Full refund

• Compensation for any additional costs (such as shipping)

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The seller must bear the cost of resolving the issue — you should not have to pay anything yourself.

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What About Warranties?

A warranty (garanti) is something the seller or manufacturer may offer voluntarily. If a warranty is included:

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• It must clearly state what it covers, how long it lasts, and how you can use it.

• It must provide extra protection beyond what the law already guarantees.

• Even if a warranty only lasts one year, your legal right to complain still applies for three years.

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A warranty is an additional benefit and does not replace your legal consumer rights.

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What If the Seller Refuses to Help?

If the seller fails to resolve the issue, here are your options:

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1. Contact the seller in writing, and keep a copy of your communication.

2. If you cannot reach an agreement, contact Konsumentverket (the Swedish Consumer Agency) or your local municipal consumer advisor (konsumentvägledare).

3. You can also file a complaint with ARN (Allmänna reklamationsnämnden) — the National Board for Consumer Disputes.

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ARN’s decisions are not legally binding, but most businesses follow them to maintain a good reputation.

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Summary – Know Your Rights

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Swedish consumer law is designed to protect you. Knowing your rights gives you the confidence to shop smart and demand fair treatment when something goes wrong.

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Need Assistance?

• Swedish Consumer Agency: www.konsumentverket.se

• National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN): www.arn.se

• Local help: Contact your municipality and ask for “konsumentvägledning”