Consumer Rights Protection

⚖️ Law No. 90-Z of 09.01.2002
🏢 BOZP since 1989
📍 4 branches in Vitebsk region
📅 March 15 — World Day

Useful Materials and Memos

Belarusian Society for Consumer Protection (BSCP)

IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

To protect the legitimate rights of citizens when purchasing goods or receiving services, the Belarusian Society for Consumer Protection (BSCP) was founded in 1989 and registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus (registration certificate No. 01583). It assists in drafting claims and lawsuits, provides consultations on quality issues, recovers penalties and moral damages, and promotes compliance with trade rules and product safety.

In the Vitebsk region, structural divisions of the BSCP operate, including branches in Vitebsk, Polotsk (tel. +375 29 5181181), Novopolotsk (0214 325999), and Tolochin (033 3174087). They provide advisory and legal assistance, helping to protect consumer rights in pre-trial and judicial proceedings.

Employees of public consumer associations are entitled to advise consumers on the protection of their rights, to address claims to the manufacturer (seller, supplier, representative, performer, repair organization) on behalf of consumers, to file lawsuits in court for the protection of consumer rights, to represent and protect the rights and legitimate interests of consumers in court (hereinafter – to carry out actions for the protection of consumer rights) only if such employees have an attestation certificate (paragraph 3 of Article 48 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of January 9, 2002, No. 90-Z "On Consumer Protection" (hereinafter – the Law).

Public consumer associations carry out actions for the protection of consumer rights on the basis of a gratuitous service agreement concluded with the consumer in writing (paragraph 1 of Article 48 of the Law).

State Protection of Consumer Rights

The main document regulating legal relations in the field of consumer rights protection is the Law of the Republic of Belarus of January 9, 2002, "On Consumer Protection." The provisions of this Law extend to relations between consumers and manufacturers, sellers, suppliers, representatives, performers, repair organizations arising from retail sale contracts and other similar agreements.

In addition to this Law, issues of consumer rights protection are regulated by the Civil Code of the Republic of Belarus, resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, and other documents adopted for the implementation of the Law.

An important element of state policy in the field of consumer rights protection is informational and educational work. Currently, thematic broadcasts are periodically aired on republican and regional channels, and print media systematically cover issues related to consumer rights protection.

In the Republic of Belarus, state bodies protect consumer rights within their competence. The coordination of activities in this area is carried out by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of the Republic of Belarus.

Within the region, state protection of consumer rights and control over compliance with consumer protection legislation is carried out by authorized consumer protection officers of regional, city, and district executive committees.

Authorized officers constantly provide advisory assistance to improve consumer literacy, organize appearances in print media, on television and radio, ensure the placement of relevant information on stands and official websites, etc.

In addition, consumer protection authorized bodies consider citizens' appeals, conduct inspections (monitoring) of compliance with legislation, issue orders to eliminate violations, and assist in drafting lawsuits for court.

In Postavy District, this function is performed by a specialist from the Economy Department of the District Executive Committee, who can be contacted directly or by phone at 3-13-96 for consultation or assistance in case of a disputed issue.

"Know Your Rights, Shop Smart"

World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15. In 2026, a common theme for events has been set in the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union: "At Home Online: Know Your Rights, Shop Smart."

The theme "At Home Online: Know Your Rights, Shop Smart" aims to draw attention to the issues of interaction between consumers and businesses in the digital space in order to find mutually acceptable solutions, foster fair conduct, and build trust between them.

Online stores today offer consumers a convenient way to shop without leaving home. However, with the increasing number of online purchases, questions regarding consumer rights also arise.

Knowing your rights and carefully choosing a seller will help make online shopping safe and comfortable.

Consumers have the right to access complete information about a product, including its characteristics, price, delivery, and return conditions. All goods must be safe for use and comply with the stated characteristics.

Consumer rights are regulated by a number of legislative acts, the key of which is the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Consumer Protection." It also applies to the field of online trade. It is important to understand that the rights of buyers in online stores are the same as when purchasing goods in regular retail outlets.

Knowledge of the law and active protection of your rights will help avoid unpleasant situations and make online shopping safe and comfortable.

When shopping online, be vigilant. A price that is too low, the absence of seller contact details, or a suspiciously short website operating period are reasons to be cautious. A safe way to pay for goods is by card through secure payment systems, not by direct transfer to an individual's card. Check the parcel upon receipt. If possible, check the goods at the pick-up point or in the presence of the courier. If defects are found, document them immediately.

Remember, knowing your rights is your superpower in the world of online shopping. Be attentive and always stand up for your interests.

May your purchases bring you only joy!"

Recommendations for Consumers When Shopping Online

"Recommendations for consumers to avoid unpleasant situations when shopping online:

Research the Seller

The online store's website must include: legal information (UNP, state registration), contacts, a detailed product description, prices, payment, delivery, and return conditions, as well as a privacy policy. All information is provided in Russian/Belarusian, and seller details are often placed on the main page.

An online store in the Republic of Belarus is obliged to provide information on the claims procedure, product returns, and contact methods. This requirement of the consumer protection law and distance selling rules ensures transparency for the buyer.

Confirming the purchase

In Belarus, online stores are obliged to issue a cash receipt (or other document confirming the purchase) when accepting cash, bank cards, or electronic payments. The receipt can be paper or electronic. When paying via ERIP or direct bank transfer, a receipt is often not required, as the bank records the transaction.

How to confirm a purchase without a receipt?

The Law on Consumer Protection (paragraph 10 of Article 20) stipulates that the absence of a document confirming the fact of purchasing a product by the consumer is not a basis for refusing to satisfy their claims.

Witness testimonies, elements of consumer packaging with marks confirming that the product was purchased from that seller, as well as documents and other means of proof indicating the purchase of the product from that seller (bank or credit card statement confirming the purchase, email with purchase confirmation, order confirmation to email, screenshots of the personal account, SMS notifications) can be used to confirm the fact of purchasing the product.

Receiving the product

When receiving a product from an online store, it is necessary to check: the cash/sales receipt (proof of payment), warranty card with a stamp (if provided), technical passport/manual, as well as accompanying documents (invoice). Be sure to verify the name, model, completeness of the product, and the seller's details.

The buyer certifies the acceptance of the product by signing the seller's accompanying documents.

Tip: If the courier is in a hurry and refuses to demonstrate the product, it is better to refuse acceptance or record this fact in the accompanying documents."