Unfair contract terms in B2B transactions : the view from a Lithuanian perspective

Abstract

Regulation of unfair terms in contracts between traders (B2B) varies from country to country from hard law to soft law instruments. Starting with Unfair Terms Directive dealing with contracts between traders and consumers (B2C) only, scholars from time to time raise a question whether such or similar protection from unfair terms should be extended to B2B contracts. Some of the domestic laws establishes a consolidated unfairness control applicable despite of the status of the parties. However, in some other countries no such unfairness control for B2B transactions exists. The recent legislative instrument which suggested unfairness control for B2B contracts - Common European Sales Law (CESL) – has been withdrawn. However, expectation that the legal doctrine, as well as national legislation, can benefit from the draft CESL makes us to continue the analysis of the provisions of CESL. This paper contributes to the discussion of other authors related to the regulation of unfair terms in contracts between traders (B2B) from a Lithuanian perspective. For this purpose, the provisions of CESL, PECL, DCFR, and Lithuanian Civil Code are discussed in more detail.

A liberdade contratual é entendida como um principio geral nas relações contratuais entre comerciantes. Apesar de as legislações internas dos Estados também reconhecerem o principio da autonomia da vontade nas práticas comerciais, varia consideravelmente a extensão com que o principio é consagrado e as suas possíveis limitações (as quais, entre outras, incluem limitações que respeitam a praticas contratuais abusivas). Alguns sistemas legais ampliam o âmbito de proteção por forma a englobar algumas pequenas e médias empresas quer distinguindo as sociedades às quais o regime das praticas contratuais abusivas é aplicável pela sua dimensão, atividade ou estabelecendo um limite monetário às transações.