Finland
Public Bodies
Markkinaoikeus (Market Court)
A specialized court that handles cases related to the Competition Act as well as cases involving the Marketing Act and other consumer and marketing legislation. In cases related to these laws, the Market Court is the highest court of appeal.
Kuluttajavirasto (Consumer Agency/Ombudsman)
The task of the Consumer Agency and Consumer Ombudsman is to ensure consumers' economic, health and legal position and to implement consumer policy. The Director General of the Consumer Agency serves as the Consumer Ombudsman. The Consumer Ombudsman monitors compliance with legislation concerning the protection of consumers' rights.
Self-regulation bodies
Maiononnan eettinen neuvosto (MEN) (Central Chamber of Commerce of Finland / Council of Ethics in Advertising)
It has been set up and funded by the advertising industry to apply code and rules regulating advertising content. It receives complaints for investigation, and in case the complaint is upheld, the advertiser will be requested to withdraw or amend the advertisement. The Council of Ethics in Advertising issues statements on whether or not an advertisement or advertising practice is ethically acceptable. The Council mainly deals with requests from consumers and with issues that are deemed to have public significance.
Liiketapalautakunta (LTL) (Board of Business Practice)
The operation of the Board of Business Practice is similar to the one of the Council of Ethics in advertising, but they deal with complaints of different origin. The Board deals with business-to business complaints.
The Board is a member of EASA (European Advertising Standards Alliance).
Law
Consumer Protection Act 38/1978; amendments up to 1547/2001
No specific reference to minors
Act on Television and Radio Operations 744/1009
Section 19. Programmes which may cause detriment to the development
of children
Section 22. Insertion of advertising and teleshopping spots
Section 25. Protection of minors
Consumer Ombudsman Guidelines: Minors, Marketing and Purchases
Based on Market Court and Ombudsman decisions
Self-regulation
The ICC Marketing Codes are used.
Compendium of ICC Rules on Children and Young People and Marketing
ICC framework for responsible food and beverage communications (See Guidelines for marketing to children)
Updated: July 2005