Consumer Law

Consumer Law Attorney in Belgium

Mis à jour en février 2026

You've purchased a defective product, signed a contract with unfair terms, been subjected to misleading commercial practices, or faced an unjustified warranty refusal? Consumer law protects you. In Belgium, the Code of Economic Law brings together the rules governing relations between businesses and consumers: right of withdrawal, legal guarantee, prohibition of unfair practices, consumer credit rules. This law, largely inspired by European directives, gives consumers weapons to assert their rights. But facing companies with experienced legal departments, a lawyer's help can prove decisive in obtaining redress.

The consumer law lawyer: your ally against businesses

Consumer law aims to rebalance an inherently unequal relationship: on one side, the business that knows its products, masters standard contracts, and has legal resources; on the other, the isolated consumer.

The specialised lawyer knows the protections you enjoy: 14-day withdrawal period for distance purchases, two-year legal guarantee on consumer goods, nullity of unfair terms, right to clear information on prices and characteristics.

They also know which levers to pull. Before going to court, a lawyer's letter citing applicable texts and threatening proceedings can unblock a situation. Companies often prefer to settle rather than risk a conviction - and the negative publicity that may follow.

Finally, the lawyer knows the existing mediation bodies: the Consumer Mediation Service, sector-specific ombudsmen (banks, insurance, energy, telecoms). These free procedures often resolve disputes without going to court.

Consumer law lawyer costs

Good news: for low-value consumer disputes, economical alternatives exist.

The Consumer Mediation Service is free and can handle many disputes without needing a lawyer.

For disputes up to 5,000 euros, the justice of the peace has jurisdiction. The procedure is simple, you can represent yourself, and court costs are moderate. A lawyer can nevertheless increase your chances of success.

If you engage a lawyer, expect 500 to 1,500 euros for a simple dispute before the justice of the peace (demand letter, file preparation, court appearance). For more complex disputes or larger amounts, fees increase proportionally.

Check your legal protection insurance: it often covers consumer disputes and pays all or part of lawyer fees.

Common consumer disputes

Warranty refusal is a classic. You buy a smartphone that breaks down after 8 months, and the seller refuses to repair or replace it. The two-year legal guarantee is mandatory: the seller must repair, replace, or refund if the goods didn't conform to the sale.

Online purchases generate their share of problems: undelivered product, different from description, return difficulties. The 14-day withdrawal right for distance purchases normally allows you to withdraw without justification - but some sellers obstruct this.

Unfair terms in contracts (telecom subscriptions, gyms, online services) can be declared null by the judge. Exorbitant termination fees, unilateral modification of conditions, clauses abusively limiting the business's liability: all prohibited practices.

Consumer credit is subject to strict regulation. If the lender hasn't met their information and advice obligations, penalties can be severe: forfeiture of interest, contract nullity.

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Questions fréquentes

What is the two-year legal guarantee?

Any consumer goods sold to a private individual benefit from a two-year conformity guarantee from delivery. If a defect appears within this period, the seller must repair or replace the goods free of charge. If impossible, you can obtain a price reduction or refund. Terms excluding this guarantee are null.

How do I exercise my withdrawal right for an online purchase?

You have 14 days from receiving the goods (or contract conclusion for services) to withdraw without justification. Inform the seller in writing (an email suffices) and return the goods within the following 14 days. Refund must occur within 14 days after receiving the returned goods.

Can the seller refuse a refund if I've lost the receipt?

The receipt makes proof of purchase easier, but other evidence can suffice: bank card statement, confirmation email, testimonies. If you prove the purchase by other means, the seller cannot refuse to honour the guarantee solely due to the missing receipt.

What is an unfair term?

It's a term that creates a significant imbalance between the business's rights and the consumer's. Examples: ability for the seller to unilaterally modify the contract, disproportionate termination fees, exclusion of liability for product defects. Such terms are null by operation of law.

How do I contact the Consumer Mediation Service?

You can submit a request online at mediationconsommateur.be or by post. Describe your dispute and attach useful documents (contract, correspondence, proof of purchase). The service is free. It examines your request and attempts to find an amicable solution with the business.

Can I lodge a complaint for misleading advertising?

Yes, you can report unfair commercial practices (misleading advertising, forced sales, etc.) to the Economic Inspection Directorate of the FPS Economy. They can investigate and impose sanctions on offending businesses. You can also take legal action to obtain personal compensation.

Do commercial guarantees (manufacturer's warranty) replace the legal guarantee?

No, they supplement it. The two-year legal guarantee is a mandatory minimum. The seller or manufacturer may offer an additional commercial guarantee (longer duration, extended coverage), but this can never reduce the legal guarantee. Read the conditions carefully.

Which court has jurisdiction for consumer disputes?

For disputes up to 5,000 euros, the justice of the peace has jurisdiction. Above that, it's the court of first instance. The European small claims procedure can be used for cross-border disputes up to 5,000 euros. Alternatives exist: mediation, arbitration, European ODR platform.

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