A clause in a credit agreement does not become abusive simply because it is costly or disadvantageous. The analysis depends on the law applicable at the date of the contract, the type of credit, the wording of the clause and its effects in the contract. Law no. 193/2000 allows the verification of standard clauses that have not been negotiated directly and creates, contrary to good faith, a significant imbalance to the detriment of the consumer.
What the law checks
A pre-formulated clause is considered non-negotiable if the professional did not offer the consumer the real possibility of influencing its content. If the professional claims that a standard clause was negotiated, the law requires him to provide evidence. The assessment is made taking into account the nature of the service, the circumstances of the contract conclusion and other relevant clauses. Clarity matters: the consumer must be able to understand both the wording and the economic consequences of the mechanism.
Interest, commissions and foreign exchange risk
In the case of variable interest rates, check whether the calculation formula and the benchmark are identifiable and whether the interest rate change follows the mechanism provided for in the contract and in the applicable law of that credit. For certain contracts regulated by GEO No. 50/2010, the variable interest rate is linked to a benchmark index and a fixed margin; the regime differs depending on the type and date of the credit. Not every variable interest rate or rate change is, in itself, abusive.
With respect to commissions, check whether they are clearly stipulated, whether they can be calculated, and what service or cost they cover. The existence of a commission does not in itself prove its abusive nature; it is the wording of the clause and the legal analysis of the contract that matter. In foreign currency loans, information about the foreign exchange risk and the transparency of the obligations are relevant, but the increase in the exchange rate does not automatically annul the clause or the debt.
What effects can the finding of abusive behavior have?
According to Law no. 193/2000, abusive clauses have no effect on the consumer, and the contract continues if it can function without them. The court analyzes the clause and its consequences in the specific case. The refund of sums may be requested when there is a basis and can be determined based on the removed clause and the payments made; recovery is not automatic or guaranteed by simply contacting the bank or initiating a lawsuit. The applicable deadlines must be verified separately in relation to the claims and the specific situation.
Practical steps
- Obtain the complete contract, the annexes and additional documents, as well as the reimbursement charts and payment history.
- Identify exactly the disputed clause and note how it was applied: changes in interest rates, fees or amounts paid.
- Compare the mechanism in the contract with the creditor’s extracts and information. Request the creditor in writing an explanation of the calculation and the relevant documents.
- Discuss with a lawyer or a consumer protection specialist which claims are appropriate and what deadlines apply. You can also file a complaint with the ANPC, within the limits of its competence; filing a complaint does not automatically replace individual legal action.
If forced execution has begun
An application regarding the contract clauses does not in itself suspend enforcement. Suspension can be requested from the court under Article 719 of the Civil Procedure Code; usually, the court orders it for good reasons and a deposit may be required. The time limits for contesting enforcement are short and depend on the received document, so check the documents immediately with a lawyer.
Official sources: Law no. 193/2000; Ordinance no. 50/2010; Code of Civil Procedure, Art. 719.
Informative article, not individual legal advice. The applicable regime depends on the contract, the date of conclusion, and the documents of each case.
