World Consumer Rights Day: CPC with initiatives for consumer protection

World Consumer Rights Day is observed on March 15th. Experts from the Commission for Consumer Protection (CPC) are organizing initiatives aimed at raising public awareness. CPC member Tsvetisava Lakova explains that the initiatives aim to familiarize consumers with their rights, provide helpful advice for making informed choices about goods and services, and clarify ways to protect their interests when a problem arises.

The theme for World Consumer Rights Day in 2024 is “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The date of March 15th was declared World Consumer Rights Day by the UN General Assembly in 1985 on the occasion of John F. Kennedy's 1963 speech, declaring the idea of a consumer protection law. Kennedy outlined the basic consumer rights: the right to safety, information, choice, and to be heard.

Since the beginning of the year, the CPC has conducted 76 inspections in the Lovech region, issuing 32 acts for administrative violations. There have been 74 complaints related to violations of the Law on the Introduction of the Euro and complaints about goods and services. The issued acts are mainly from inspections in grocery stores, cosmetic and hairdressing services, and vending machines. There is a reported decrease in incoming complaints.

Online shopping: It is important to make an informed choice by paying attention to the preliminary information from traders. Be careful with tempting offers, especially when prices are unrealistically low. Shopping from social networks can create difficulties if the trader is anonymous. Avoid unusual conditions, such as long return periods, as well as purchases from suspicious websites.

Trading platforms: When shopping through platforms, contracts are concluded with the respective trader, not with the owner of the platform. It is recommended to read customer reviews before purchasing.

Product quality: Buying from established brands, you pay for known quality. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of a product online, consumers have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days of receiving the goods, according to the Consumer Protection Act.