Estonia’s Consumer Protection Act Amendments

As of 1 September 2025, Estonia will implement significant updates to its Consumer Protection Act. These changes aim to modernize how businesses interact with consumers, reduce unnecessary paper waste, and support more environmentally friendly practices, while maintaining protections for vulnerable groups. Here's a breakdown of what’s changing—and why it matters for B2B operators offering products or services to consumers.

What’s New?

• The amendments allow traders to deliver purchase documents—such as invoices or receipts—not only via printed formats but also digitally, for example through SMS notifications or within a retailer’s mobile app.

• Importantly, consumers who prefer hard copies, particularly elderly individuals or those less digitally inclined, retain the right to receive paper documents.

• Originally scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026, the effective date was advanced to 1 September 2025, giving businesses and authorities more time to prepare and to inform consumers. (Parliament of Estonia)

  
  

Why This Matters for Businesses

• Environmental impact & cost savings: Moving to digital distribution reduces printing and postage costs, and supports greener operations.

• Consumer experience: Offering invoices via digital channels—like SMS or app—can improve convenience and responsiveness. Still, systems must accommodate paper upon request.

• Compliance: Companies must ensure systems can handle both digital and print delivery, and update policies, terms, and user interfaces accordingly.

• Communication: It's wise to proactively notify consumers about the new delivery options—especially those who receive paper documents—and clarify how they can opt in or out.

  
  

What Entrepreneurs Should Do by 1 September

1. Audit document delivery workflows: Confirm your ability to issue documents electronically—SMS, email, app—and still issue paper copies as needed.

2. Update client contracts, website, and checkout pages to reflect the option of digital delivery, along with instructions for requesting paper.

3. Train customer service teams: They should be ready to process document delivery preferences, especially for consumers requesting paper versions.

4. Plan a communication campaign: Consider an email or site banner to inform customers of the upcoming change and their delivery options.