Iceland - Direct MarketingIceland - Direct Marketing
Direct marketing is practiced in Iceland but not to the same extent as in the United States. Methods include delivering leaflets to homes, television infomercials and telemarketing. The best source of contact information for telemarketers is the Icelandic phonebook. Entries are listed by first name. The EU’s Directive on distance selling to consumers (97/7/EC and amendments) has been implemented in Iceland. It sets out a number of obligations for companies doing business at a distance with consumers. Direct marketers must provide clear information on their identity as well as that of their supplier, full details on prices including delivery costs, and the period for which an offer remains valid before a contract is concluded.
According to Icelandic law, generally, consumers do not have legal right to return goods, unless the goods are faulty. However, the Ministry of Commerce (now Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs), issued in 2000 non-binding instructions on consumer rights which state that consumers should have 14 days to return non-faulty goods. If goods are purchased online, the consumer has legal rights to return the items within 14 days of purchase regardless if the product is faulty or not. Goods need to be in original condition and packaging. For more information see Iceland’s Consumer Agency website.
Financial services are the subject of EU Directive 2002/65/EC. This legislation is designed to ensure that consumers are appropriately protected in respect to financial transactions taking place where the consumer and the provider are not face-to-face. In addition to prohibiting certain abusive marketing practices, the directive establishes criteria for presenting contract information. Given the special nature of financial markets, specifics are also laid out for withdrawal off a contract.
Key Link Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
According to Icelandic law, generally, consumers do not have legal right to return goods, unless the goods are faulty. However, the Ministry of Commerce (now Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs), issued in 2000 non-binding instructions on consumer rights which state that consumers should have 14 days to return non-faulty goods. If goods are purchased online, the consumer has legal rights to return the items within 14 days of purchase regardless if the product is faulty or not. Goods need to be in original condition and packaging. For more information see Iceland’s Consumer Agency website.
Financial services are the subject of EU Directive 2002/65/EC. This legislation is designed to ensure that consumers are appropriately protected in respect to financial transactions taking place where the consumer and the provider are not face-to-face. In addition to prohibiting certain abusive marketing practices, the directive establishes criteria for presenting contract information. Given the special nature of financial markets, specifics are also laid out for withdrawal off a contract.
Key Link Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.