At present the Finland does not have a sophisticated consumer collective action regime.

What is the most common type of collective action you are seeing?

There have not yet been any cases of collective actions in Finland.

What are the various ways a group could bring a collective action?

Only the Consumer Ombudsman can bring a collective action on behalf of consumers.

If collective actions are permitted, are these opt-in or opt-out actions?

Opt-in

Does the law currently provide for private collective actions by consumers?

Only public collective actions are allowed. The Consumer Ombudsman can initiate class actions on behalf of consumers.

If collective actions are permitted are the usual forms of relief permitted and can punitive damages be claimed? 

Any form of relief can be claimed. Punitive damages are not available

Are bodies which represent consumers able to bring actions on their behalf? And if yes, can these bodies bring cross-border actions?

Only the Consumer Ombudsman can bring an action and therefore cross-border actions are generally unavailable.

Is third party funding of litigation permitted?

Yes, but the market is not well developed.

Is litigation funding permitted for collective actions?

The Consumer Ombudsman funds the action.

Are consumer groups and law firms allowed to advertise the collective actions they are running?

Law firms can advertise the actions they are running if certain preconditions are met. 

Is there a formal mechanism to settle actions on a collective basis?

The rules relating to civil settlements apply to class actions. The settlement is binding on the consumers who are registered as members of the consumer group.

If a trader loses a collective action does the law require the trader to publicise this? 

Is there a penalty for non-compliance with a final decision issued in respect of a collective action?

The Collective Redress Directive must be implemented in all EU member states by 25 December 2022. To find out more about the current progress of implementation of the Directive in this jurisdiction click here.