Mystery boxes in Luxembourg: why is it illegal?

Consumer Protection Minister Martine Hansen and the Minister in charge of media and digitalisation, Elisabeth Margue, have clarified the sale of mystery boxes in Luxembourg.

While there are no permanent shops or vending machines offering such boxes, there have been several temporary sales of lost parcels by a foreign company in 2024. These events took place in pop-up shops and online.

According to the law of 26 December 2012 on postal services:

• Lost parcels sent in Luxembourg remain the property of the sender until delivery to the addressee.
• If delivery is not possible, the parcel is handed over to the Institute of Luxembourg Regulation (ILR) for identification of the owner. Only the ILR has the right to decide the fate of such items.
• It is unlawful for any other organisation to sell or handle such parcels.

ILR examined the activities of the company that organised the temporary sales and explained the provisions of the law in a press release dated 3 June 2024.

So far, there have been no official complaints about mystery box sales in Luxembourg, but the government remains vigilant. A report by Germany's Stiftung Warentest identified issues with such sales: no right of return, protection of minors and false promises about the contents.

The Ministry plans to conduct information campaigns to raise awareness among citizens.