Consumer protection revolution starts today says Graham Watson MEP

5.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Oct 2008

Local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar welcomed the Commission's move today to empower European shoppers with a single, simple EU-wide set of consumer rights. Consumers will be able to seek the best value for money anywhere across the EU without falling victim to differing complicated national rules.

The proposal guarantees a right to information before purchase, EU-wide protection against late delivery and non-delivery and a new 14-day cooling off period for distance and pressure sales. Consumers could also rely on EU-wide rules for returns, repairs, refunds and guarantees.

Graham Watson commented;

"This is the start of a consumer protection revolution which will transform Europe's fragmented retail market into the level playing field it ought to be.

The internet means cheaper products are often only a few clicks away, but at the moment real life barriers exist to the virtual marketplace. It is time we give consumers better protection wherever they choose to take their custom.

These plans mean the current patchwork of measures will be simplified, offering greater peace of mind to consumers. It's also great for businesses who wish to widen sales across the European Union as it cuts out masses of unnecessary and expensive red tape."

Editors note:-

Massive differences still exist across Europe with regard to prices of goods, for example, in the UK electronic goods are often 10.4% more expensive than in Ireland.

The Commission proposals mean a distance trader will be able to serve the entire EU market using the same set of contract terms reducing legal compliance costs.

Introduction of the plans mean UK consumers will benefit from an extension in a "cooling off period" to withdraw from distance and off premises contracts from 7 days to 14 days.

The right for consumers to change their mind will be simplified to a standard web based withdrawal form or via a durable medium. This makes it simple and easy for the consumer and provides them with legal certainty towards the trader.