According to the Consumer Code of Catalonia (Act 22/2010 of 20 July 2010 on the Consumer Code of Catalonia), consumption takes place when all the following conditions are met:
- There is a relationship of consumption between two parties (sale of goods and/or provision of services) at any of the following stages:
- Information
- Offer
- Promotion
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Use
- Sale of goods or supply of services
- Subsequent obligations
- The claimant is a natural person (an “individual”), a non-profit association or a property owners’ association.
- The claimant is acting in an area outside a business or professional activity.
- The party against whom the claim is being made is not a natural person (with the exception of self-employed workers).
The following are consumer issues:
- Utilities (water, gas and electricity)
- Telephone and internet access
- Tourist services
- Bar and restaurant services
- Transport
- Home service providers
- Insurance
- Financial services
- Product purchases or repairs
The following are NOT consumer issues:
- Labour disputes
- Civil rights
- Co-existence matters in owners’ associations
- Relations with the Public Administration
- Consumer issues that are being dealt with in court and/or that can turn into criminal matters may not be handled by the OMIC, as it has not been granted powers for such cases by the Consumer Code of Catalonia.