Forbrugerklagenævnet in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board) is an independent, publicly recognised body that resolves consumer disputes:
- Jurisdiction: Disputes between consumers and traders over goods or services worth between approx. 1,220 kr. and 100,000 kr. (the thresholds are adjusted annually).
- Two-stage process: First a mandatory mediation attempt via the Center for Klageløsning (complaint fee approx. 100 kr.). If mediation fails, the case proceeds to Forbrugerklagenævnet itself (a further fee of approx. 400 kr.). The fees are refunded if you win.
- Written procedure: The complaint is handled in writing — there is no oral hearing. Both parties submit written observations and documentation.
- Binding effect: Decisions are not formally legally binding, but companies that do not comply are published on a blacklist — most companies fall into line.
- Sector complaint boards: Certain industries have their own complaint boards (e.g. car repairs, travel, electronics) — check whether your complaint belongs to a specialised board.
When does it apply?
- You have a dispute with a trader over goods or services and the company has refused to find a solution.
- The value of the dispute is between approx. 1,220 kr. and 100,000 kr.
What to do if a company has refused to resolve your complaint in Denmark
- Complain to the company in writing first — the board requires that you have tried to resolve the matter directly.
- File the complaint at naevneneshus.dk — the portal for consumer complaint boards.
- Attach your purchase receipt, correspondence, photos of defects and a clear statement of what you want.
- Await the decision — processing typically takes 3-5 months.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't file a complaint without first contacting the company — the complaint will be rejected if you have not tried to resolve it first.
- Don't go to court first for small disputes — the complaint board is faster and cheaper.
- Don't ignore the thresholds — claims under approx. 1,220 kr. or over 100,000 kr. cannot be handled.
About Consumer Rights in Denmark
If something you bought is defective, Købeloven (the Sale of Goods Act) gives you 2 years to demand repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation — and defects that appear within the first year are presumed to have been present at delivery. For online and distance purchases, Forbrugeraftaleloven (the Consumer Contracts Act) gives you a 14-day right of withdrawal. Misleading advertising and unfair contract terms are prohibited under Markedsføringsloven (the Marketing Practices Act), enforced by Forbrugerombudsmanden (the Consumer Ombudsman). Unresolved disputes can be brought before Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board).
Common Questions
What is Forbrugerklagenævnet and what can it decide in Denmark?
Forbrugerklagenævnet is Denmark's independent, publicly recognised consumer complaints board. It handles disputes between consumers and traders over goods or services worth approx. 1,220 kr. to 100,000 kr. The case is handled entirely in writing — there is no oral hearing — and both parties submit documentation and observations.
How do I file a consumer complaint in Denmark, and what does it cost?
Complain to the company in writing first — the board requires that you have tried to resolve the matter directly. Then file the complaint at naevneneshus.dk, attach your receipt, correspondence and photos, and pay the small mediation fee (approx. 100 kr.) plus approx. 400 kr. if the case proceeds to the board. The fees are refunded if you win.
How long does a Danish consumer complaint take, and is the decision binding?
Processing typically takes 3 to 5 months. Decisions are not formally legally binding, but companies that do not comply are published on a blacklist, so most fall into line. Claims under approx. 1,220 kr. or over 100,000 kr. cannot be handled. Certain industries have their own specialised complaint boards.
What is the forbrugerklagenævnet (consumer complaints board) right in Denmark?
Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board) is an independent, publicly recognised body that resolves consumer disputes:Jurisdiction: Disputes between consumers and traders over goods or services worth between approx. 1,220 kr. and 100,000 kr. (the thresholds are adjusted annually).Two-stage process: First a mandatory mediation attempt via the Center for Klageløsning (complaint fee approx. 100 kr.). If mediation fails, the case proceeds to Forbrugerklagenævnet itself (a further fee of approx. 400 kr.). The fees are refunded if you win.Written procedure: The complaint is handled in...
When does it apply — forbrugerklagenævnet (consumer complaints board)?
You have a dispute with a trader over goods or services and the company has refused to find a solution.The value of the dispute is between approx. 1,220 kr. and 100,000 kr.
What should I do if a company won't fix a fault with a product or service I paid for in Denmark?
Complain to the company in writing first — the board requires that you have tried to resolve the matter directly.File the complaint at naevneneshus.dk — the portal for consumer complaint boards.Attach your purchase receipt, correspondence, photos of defects and a clear statement of what you want.Await the decision — processing typically takes 3-5 months.
What should you NOT do — forbrugerklagenævnet (consumer complaints board)?
Don't file a complaint without first contacting the company — the complaint will be rejected if you have not tried to resolve it first.Don't go to court first for small disputes — the complaint board is faster and cheaper.Don't ignore the thresholds — claims under approx. 1,220 kr. or over 100,000 kr. cannot be handled.