Report something to us
You can report an infringement via our online form.
Before doing so, please take a moment to consult our theme pages or consumer guide. There, you will find clear information about your rights and obligations, the steps you can take, and the reporting form best suited to your situation. Using the appropriate form ensures your report is processed more quickly and efficiently.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Check out our frequently asked questions. You may find an answer to your question.
Why should you file a report?
Your report helps the Economic Inspection gain a clearer picture of misleading or unfair practices in the Belgian market. By reporting a problem, you help protect other consumers and companies from similar misconduct.
More information on the role of the Economic Inspection can be found on the FPS Economy website.
What will the Economic Inspection do with your report?
The Economic Inspection analyses all reports it receives. If necessary, it will initiate an investigation or refer the report to the competent inspection authority. Please note: the Economic Inspection does not open a case file for every report. A risk analysis of all incoming reports is carried out on a daily basis.
If the Economic Inspection identifies infringements, it will require the offenders to stop or remedy them. It may issue a warning or draw up a report, which can result in sanctions, including a proposal for an amicable settlement, an administrative fine or legal proceedings before the criminal court.
The Economic Inspection does not resolve individual disputes. For personal issues, it is best to contact an ombudsman service.
Have you been the victim of a scam and lost money? The Economic Inspection cannot assist with recovering financial losses. Please contact your local police department and file a report on ConsumerConnect. More information on the role of the Economic Inspection can be found on the FPS Economy website.
Will the Economic Inspection inform you of any measures taken following your report?
In principle, the Economic Inspection does not provide information about specific actions taken in response to a report.
If the Economic Inspection draws up a report and sends it to the public prosecutor's office, you may in certain cases be able to resister as an aggrieved party. In such situations, the Economic Inspection will contact you to explain what steps you can take.
Can you report a violation anonymously?
Yes, you can submit a report anonymously. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, the Economic Inspection will not be able to contact you to request or provide additional information.
Please note: Even if you remain anonymous, depending on the circumstances, the company concerned may still be able to deduce that you are the author of the report.
How does ConsumerConnect process your personal data?
ConsumerConnect collects and processes personal data and is therefore subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, repealing Directive 95/46/EC.
For more information on the GDPR, please see ConsumerConnect's privacy statement.
How can you cancel a report?
To request the deletion of your report, please contact the Contact Centre of the FPS Economy. The latter will forward your request to the appropriate department. Please note: the Contact Centre cannot provide any information about the follow-up of a report.
Can you contact the Economic Inspection directly?
Consumers cannot contact the Economic Inspection directly.
If you have any questions, please contact the Contact Centre of the FPS Economy. The latter will forward your request to the appropriate department. Please note: the Contact Centre cannot provide any information about the follow-up of a report.
As a company, how do you report misleading commercial practices by a competitor towards consumers, or unfair practices between companies?
Companies can report misleading or unfair practices via the FPS Economy Report Platform.
What is the difference between an individual and a company?
An individual is a natural person acting for personal purposes and not in the context of their professional activity.
A company is defined as a self-employed person, a partnership or an association that pursues an economic goal (commercial activities) in a sustainable manner.
You have been the victim of discrimination. Can you report this to the Economic Inspection?
No. The Economic Inspection is not competent to handle reports regarding discrimination.
If you believe you are a victim of discrimination based on your sex or gender, you can contact the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men.
For most other forms of discrimination, you can contact Unia, the independent interfederal public institution that combats discrimination and promotes equality.
ConsumerConnect is an initiative of the FPS Economy. We guide you through your consumer rights and obligations in clear and accessible language. Here, you can learn what actions you can take.
