Stronger protection for vulnerable consumers and other urgent measures

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. For the first time in state law, it defines the vulnerable consumer: a person who, due to personal, economic, educational or social circumstances, cannot exercise their consumer rights on equal terms. The definition is added to Article 3 of the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users.
2. It strengthens these consumers' rights across several articles: clear and accessible information, understandable labeling, special attention in business practices, easier proof of the right of withdrawal, and legibility requirements for contracts.
3. The Government must create braille labeling and other accessible formats within one year, and promote a financial inclusion plan with measures such as keeping ATMs, in-person service and help for people with low digital skills.
4. It allows courts to suspend evictions and removals of economically vulnerable people with no housing alternative until February 28, 2022, including in criminal proceedings.
5. It corrects the 2021 State Budget Law: it repeals a provision on European research funds and fixes port fee discounts for several port authorities. It also sets the prices of the wastewater discharge control fee.
6. The law takes effect the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette, except the change on contract letter size, which takes effect three months later.

Who it affects

• Consumers in situations of vulnerability (due to age, disability, gender, finances, etc.): They receive stronger protection: accessible information, special attention and easier ways to exercise their rights.
• Businesses selling goods and services: They must adapt their information, labeling and contracts to vulnerable consumers.
• Vulnerable households facing eviction: Judges can suspend their removal until February 28, 2022.
• People with visual disabilities and older people with low digital skills: They will get braille labeling and financial inclusion measures, including in-person bank service.
• Port companies and dockworkers: The rules for port employment centers are adapted.

Words worth knowing

Desistimiento (right of withdrawal)

The consumer's right to cancel a distance or off-premises purchase without giving reasons, within a set period.

Canon de control de vertidos (discharge control fee)

A fee paid by those discharging wastewater, used to protect and improve water quality.

Lanzamiento (removal)

The act of physically removing a person from a home, usually after an eviction.

Texto refundido (consolidated text)

A single text that gathers and organizes several laws on the same subject.

It summarizes the law as published in the BOE. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries