The services provided by the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority help ensure economic growth and the well-being of citizens in various areas. Below we describe the actions in different areas and partly touch upon the vision for which we act in these areas.
You can find the introduction, structure and strategy of the Authority here.
We provide security in national crises or emergencies
Our Authority has important national defense tasks in the fields of communications and media, as well as in ensuring construction, industrial, and railway safety.
We advise consumers quickly, clearly and expertly
We provide verbal and written advice to tens of thousands of Estonian people every year. We provide both legal advice and recommendations regarding consumer rights and obligations.
Railway infrastructure must be safe for all road users
We monitor the technical condition of railway facilities – for example, level crossings, platforms, tunnels, viaducts, etc. We contribute to raising people's awareness of the dangers associated with railways.
We are the link between big social media giants and local users
We are working to ensure that major platforms popular among Estonian users ensure a safe online environment by preventing the spread of illegal and dangerous content. We also see to it that they ensure clear conditions and transparent complaint resolution.
Consumer interests in the use of electronic communications services must be protected
Contracts in the electronic communications sector – from internet service to mobile packages – can be very complex and nuanced. We stand with the consumer in mind so that contracts do not harm the customer.
Estonian railways will become more environmentally friendly and train traffic will be faster
From Tallinn to Tartu by train in less than 2 hours! We contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the transport sector by electrifying the railway network. We stand firmly behind ensuring that the railway reconstruction is completed in compliance with all requirements.
Making public service buildings accessible
Good accessibility of buildings ensures the availability of services for people with special needs, giving them the opportunity to participate in all areas of life according to their abilities and wishes. To this end, we advise and train building owners, architects, builders, and local governments.
Consumer dispute resolution is efficient and reliable
We resolve thousands of consumer disputes annually. If a dispute has arisen with a trader that cannot be resolved between the parties, the Consumer Disputes Commission will help clarify the matter.
Buildings must be safe at all times
There are a significant number of buildings in Estonia that are not used or maintained regularly by their owners or whose owners are unknown. We collect information from citizens about buildings at risk of collapse, dangerous balcony railings, as well as, for example, uncovered wells. We will contact the owners of the objects to eliminate the threats.
Passenger rights are protected, travel companies can be trusted
The ship is delayed, the flight is canceled, or the hotel room is moldy – unexpected things always happen. We can give you advice on how to behave in such situations. We also keep our finger on the pulse to ensure that the local tourism sector operates responsibly.
Bringing ultra-fast internet to households across Estonia
Fast internet access is a human right and a matter of hygiene; it must be available in every Estonian village, city, and forest farm. In 2004, homes were offered 1 Mbit/s "fast internet connection", today we are talking about gigabits, which are thousands of times faster.
Advertisements are made responsibly, they do not mislead people
Advertisements can be found on TV, radio, online, social media, and in print. We provide advice to advertisers and ensure that prohibited ads are removed.
Products must be safe for life, health, property and the environment
We verify that products sold in both physical and online stores are safe for all users. Whether it's a teddy bear or a construction screw, in cooperation with other European Union member states, we will make sure that dangerous and non-compliant products are removed from the shelves. Also, we monitor the energy consumption requirements of products to ensure sustainable production.
We monitor compliance with safety requirements when handling pyrotechnic products
A pyrotechnic product may only be used in accordance with safety requirements and taking into account the age limit set for the use of the product. We cooperate with both companies and other authorities to ensure that pyrotechnics are handled correctly. We raise awareness of the dangers so that fireworks don't turn into fireworks disasters.
If your rights have been violated by an authority in another Member State, you can get help from us
The Estonian SOLVIT Center operates at the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority, which can help when the rights of a citizen or entrepreneur have been violated across borders in the European Union and the violator is an authority from another member state.
We check compliance with safety requirements related to the artificial environment
We work every day to ensure that there are fewer gas and electrical accidents in Estonia. To this end, we educate apartment associations and communicate with companies working with equipment and installations to ensure safety in homes, manufacturing plants, and energy supplies.
The accuracy of measuring instruments has a major impact on our daily lives
When we go to fill up our vehicle, we expect the fuel dispenser to measure the correct amount. Rightly so. Measuring instruments used, for example, in customs, gas stations, shops, transportation, as well as in electricity or gas measurement, must function correctly.
We ensure that public products are accessible to all people
From June 2025, accessibility requirements will also apply to certain products and services. We stand for ensuring that common products can be used by everyone, regardless of their special needs.
We ensure a fast and smooth phone number transfer and sufficient resources
If you want to change your communications provider while keeping your phone number, you need to be able to do it quickly and seamlessly. We also make sure that there are plenty of phone numbers available for everyone.
It is important to know your rights and obligations when using leisure services
The service must meet the requirements, be safe for life, health, and property when used as intended, and have the characteristics that the consumer usually rightfully expects. We make sure that the service provider is aware of and takes the above into account.
Gas appliances on the market must not endanger human health and safety
For our part, we do everything we can to ensure that gas appliances and installations on the market do not pose a risk. We make sure that gas work is carried out by persons with the appropriate qualifications. The use of gas appliances must also be safe. Carbon monoxide detectors save lives!
Electrical appliances must be used correctly to avoid the risk of electric shock or fire
We ensure that electrical equipment is in good technical condition and designed for its intended purpose. We provide advice on how to ensure electrical safety.
We issue building permits and the use and occupancy permits for nationally important objects
Buildings with a national designated spatial plan and national defense buildings play an important role in ensuring security. We consider it crucial that nationally important objects such as overhead power lines, the defense industrial park, as well as the fourth Estonian-Latvian electricity connection, shall be completed in an environmentally friendly manner and with construction requirements in mind.
4G is the past, 5G already the present, and 6G the near future – we are bringing it to Estonia
We want to be among the first in Europe to deploy 6G, together with the Nordic countries. To grow the economy and attract new investments to Estonia, high-quality communications services are as important as affordable electricity prices. Satellite communications topics also fit on our table!
We stand for high-quality and affordable Estonian communications services
As the regulator of the Estonian electronic communications sector, we are committed to effective competition in the communications market, which in turn helps ensure that internet, TV and telephone services are of high quality and affordable for everyone.
We resolve radio interference on land, in the air and at sea
Who hasn't heard of GPS interference that disrupted air and ship traffic? We also solve mundane problems – if the car remote control is not working, the reason may be radio interference caused by another device.
The safety of machinery and pressure equipment has been checked
When using machines, the compliance of responsible persons and operators, audit completion, and production, installation, conversion, and repair requirements must be followed. We monitor that pressure equipment (such as boilers, gas cylinders and fire extinguishers) meets the requirements and that safety is ensured when handling them.
Communication networks are crisis-proof, no storm or attack will break them down
Together with telecommunications sector, we are prepared for unexpected weather events, protection against cyberattacks, and faster solutions to ensure that communications are not interrupted or interruptions are minimal. Network security is essential for us to be able to connect with each other and the outside world.
We help radio broadcasters, navigators of recreational craft and pilots get on the air
We ensure that local ship captains or helicopter pilots can communicate and that the airwaves are clean and controlled for radio operators. Radio frequencies are a limited resource - we ensure that there are enough of them for those who want them and that they are used prudently.
The railway is developing and the management of the sector is sustainable
213 km of new tracks in Estonia, a passenger train moving at 249 km/h! We are working to ensure that the major railway project Rail Baltic, connecting the Baltic States and Europe, is completed in Estonia in compliance with all construction requirements.
Estonian merchants respect consumer rights
From discount prices to user manuals – when operating in commerce, consumer rights must be respected. Both in the physical store and online. In addition, we ensure that market participants can operate under equal competitive conditions.
We mitigate the risk of accidents arising from handling chemicals
Hazardous chemicals are handled and stored, for example, in chemical plants, paint production, and fuel terminals. We ensure that chemicals are handled in production in a way that mitigates the risks arising from their hazardous properties and minimizes potential damage.
We contribute to achieving renewable energy goals
Estonia plans to reach a 65% share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption by 2030. We ensure that offshore wind farms are built in an environmentally friendly manner and in compliance with all construction requirements. To this end, we process building permit applications and issue building and use permits for offshore wind farms.
Restrictions and requirements are adhered to in the sale and distribution of alcohol and tobacco products
We cooperate with other state agencies and municipalities to ensure compliance with requirements related to the sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products, including at public events. This is how we prevent and reduce substance-related harm.
We give TV and radio producers the opportunity to enrich the Estonian media landscape
The Estonian media landscape operates in such a way that a permit must be applied for from time to time to provide radio or television services. Well-known actors must also do this, and thus we give new channels and programs the opportunity to come on the air.
We are working to prevent hostile war propaganda from spreading in Estonia
Today's information and media space has largely moved from television and radio to the web and social media. We ensure that war propaganda and incitement to hatred from third countries cannot spread and thereby harm Estonian society.
The railway rolling stock is in good technical condition.
It is not permitted to use railway rolling stock that is not in good technical condition. We ensure that railway rolling stock moving on rails meets operational and safety requirements.
We monitor the implementation of sanctions imposed on Russia
We will keep a watchful eye on the implementation of sanctions related to business, tourism, media, information society, and advertising services imposed on the aggressor state so that the Russian war machine does not gain additional strength through Estonia.
We contribute to ensuring national security by assessing the reliability of foreign investments
We ensure that investments by persons from third countries do not negatively affect the security and public order of Estonia and other EU member states. The continuity of vital services, the availability of goods, security of supply and the resilience of critical infrastructure must be protected.
Websites and applications for vital services must be accessible to everyone
Accessibility of digital solutions ensures equal opportunities in using websites and applications, regardless of age, health status or special needs.
We ensure that loans are offered and granted responsibly
Borrowing is quick and easy these days, but every financial decision must be made thoughtfully. We are committed to reducing over-lending and debt.
Railway undertakings operate safely
To operate safely on the railway, we issue safety certificates and permits in accordance with the legislation in force in the Republic of Estonia and the European Union. We regularly monitor the safe management of railways and the operation of transport.
Closer to meeting climate goals with energy efficiency
An energy performance certificate provides information about future utility costs when purchasing a home. We ensure that the energy performance certificate assigned to a home corresponds to reality. We guide apartment associations towards more affordable and climate-friendly solutions.
We implement consumer education
We raise awareness among consumers and businesses to contribute to the successful and fair functioning of the consumer environment. The best consumer protection is an informed consumer!
You can also count on us if there is a problem with a foreign trader
Concert tickets, clothes, and even cars are increasingly being purchased online, where the seller may be a foreign company. For cross-border transactions, you can get advice and assistance from the European Consumer Centre of Estonia operating at the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority.
We ensure that risks are mitigated in hazardous processes
From blasting to mining, some fields are inherently dangerous. We make sure that risks never materialize. To this end, we thoroughly evaluate blasting projects and, once we are convinced of their safety, we issue a permit to carry them out. We also check that safety requirements are met during mining.
Campaigns and collaboration with the media to raise awareness
More than 18,000 followers on Facebook, approximately 2,500 cases of media coverage each year, and almost the same number of subscribers to the monthly newsletter. We strive to ensure that both consumers and businesses are aware of their rights and obligations.
We employ specialists in their fields
98% of our employees are satisfied with their work, 89% would recommend the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority as an employer. With us, you can do work with a sense of mission that has a significant impact.
We manage a single information window for consumers and businesses
The TARVIK self-service environment brings together all the information systems of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority. Also, a Register of Economic Activities, where entrepreneurs can apply for the necessary permits for their business activities and consumers can find reliable information about whether the entrepreneur has fulfilled their obligations.
We support high-quality training for Estonian train drivers
We issue train driver licenses and supervise the activities of train drivers with driving privileges.
Last updated: 23.04.2025
