Verbraucherschutz

Consumer protection serves to protect consumers from harmful or detrimental effects of consumer goods and services.

Consumer information, consumer advice and nutrition education are provided in Schleswig-Holstein by established consumer protection organizations. In the area of nutrition and consumer education, there are a large number of projects that are carried out by the state government in cooperation with various consumer protection organizations.

Consumer protection is usually divided into two areas: economic and health consumer protection:

• In the area of consumer health protection, there is a legal requirement that you as a consumer may only be offered foodstuffs, cosmetics, consumer goods, medicines, medical products, household appliances and toys that are safe in terms of health and use. Another important aspect is health-related nutritional education and information. The Consumer Information Act gives everyone the right to request information from the competent authorities on food and animal feed, everyday consumer goods, wine and cosmetics.
  
• Economic consumer protection is determined by the protection against deception and overreaching on the consumer markets and the strengthening of consumer responsibility. Consumer interests are asserted through the improvement of consumer rights in civil law and guidelines for the supplying economy. The focus is on financial services, new media, health/care, energy and telecommunications.

You can obtain advice, consumer information and support in pursuing your rights from Verbraucherzentrale Schleswig-Holstein e. V. (VZ SH).
However, some special advisory services are subject to a charge. The VZ SH can provide information about the fees.

Further information on consumer protection can be found on the website of the state government of Schleswig-Holstein.

To the districts or independent cities (food monitoring, consumer protection, veterinary services).