10 Better Deals for 500 Million Consumers

It has been a while, but finally something worthwhile from Europe to report to all our members.

The European Commission has published an extremely helpful brochure, outlining ten major improvements to guarantee the rights of consumers in Europe. We uploaded it in our Library, Consumer Affairs Section, for your convenience.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/wp-content/uploads/ND0214293ENC_002.pdf

Just a quote from the very first page:

“I bought it online and now I have a problem.” Resolving online disputes faster and cheaper.

“From January 2016 a service to resolve online contractual disputes will be available throughout Europe following a new law voted in June 2013. Consumers will be able to log on to a Europe-wide online platform and submit their complaint in their own language no matter what product or service they bought and no matter where they bought it – home or abroad.
The platform, operating in all the official European languages, will link all the national alternative dispute resolution entities, allowing them to handle the disputes entirely online. Consumers will, therefore, be able to have their disputes dealt with in an easy, fast and low cost manner without going to court.
Some statistics: Today 32% of consumers face problems with defective goods and services. These disputes often end up unresolved or in costly court proceedings.”

Please take five minutes to peruse the content of the brochure, as the subjects range from online complaints, to roaming tariffs, the right to a bank account, fighting misleading environmental claims, information on dangerous products that have been removed from EU markets, animal testing for cosmetic purposes and cross-border purchases.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.