EC Consumer policy review
BIS is responsible for implementing changes to consumer policy by the EU including the Review of Consumer Acquis.
A new Consumer Rights Directive has been adopted by the EU and the final text is available at the following link Directive 2011/83/EU. The deadline for the provisions to take effect in the national laws of each Member State is 13 June 2014.
The relevant documents, including the text of the proposed Directive are available.
On 10 November 2008 BERR published a consultation on the EU proposals for a Consumer Rights Directive. A summary of responses was published in July 2009.
The Lords EU Social and Consumer Affairs Sub-Committee G conducted an inquiry into the EU proposal and published a Report, 'EU Consumer Rights Directive: getting it right', on 15 July 2009.
On 24 January 2011 the European Council agreed a general approach on the draft Directive. It also mandated the Presidency to pursue negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to reaching a final agreement at first reading. Negotiation of the Directive is ongoing.
Review of the Consumer Acquis
The proposal for a Consumer Rights Directive was part of the 'review of the consumer acquis'. The aim of the review is to simplify and modernise consumer laws, achieve better regulation and increase consumers’ confidence in the single market.
The EU Commission published a Green Paper in February 2007 setting out various options for reform of the Directives and suggesting areas that could be revised with a view to creating an improved framework for consumer protection and simplifying consumers’ rights and responsibilities when they shop across the EU.
The previous UK Government’s response to the Green Paper is also available to view. Further information about the review of the consumer acquis is also available.
Retail Harmonisation Survey
The Consumer Rights Directive raises concerns that the existing rights UK consumers have to reject faulty goods may be lost.
BERR commissioned ICM to carry out a survey of UK retailers to understand better their redress preferences, particularly in the event that the Consumer Rights Directive were implemented as proposed, and how these preferences might diverge from those of consumers.
