Government should maintain a strong consumer protection policy

In 1999, United Nations expanded its guidelines for consumer protection. The opening paragraphs are shown hereunder:

Taking into account the interests and needs of consumers in all countries, particularly those in developing countries; recognizing that consumers often face imbalances in economic terms, educational levels and bargaining power; and bearing in mind that consumers should have the right of access to non-hazardous products, as well as the right to promote just, equitable and sustainable economic and social development and environment protection, these guidelines for consumer protection have the following objectives:

* To assist countries in achieving or maintaining adequate protection for their population as consumers;

* To facilitate production and distribution patterns responsive to the needs and desires of consumers;

* To encourage high levels of ethical conduct for those engaged in the production and distribution of goods and
services to consumers;

* To assist countries in curbing abusive business practices by all enterprises at the national and international levels which adversely affect consumers;

* To facilitate the development of independent consumer groups;

* To further international cooperation in the field of consumer protection;

* To encourage the development of market conditions which provide consumers with greater choice at lower prices;

* To promote sustainable consumption.

General principles
Government should develop or maintain a strong consumer protection policy, taking into account the guidelines set out below and relevant international agreements. In so doing, each government should set its own priorities for the protection of consumers in accordance with the economic, social and environmental circumstances of the country and the needs of its population, bearing in mind the costs and benefits of proposed measures.

The legitimate needs which the guidelines are intended to meet are the following:

* The protection of consumers from hazards to their health and safety;

* The promotion and protection of the economic interests of consumers;

* Access of consumers to adequate information to enable them to make informed choices according to individual wishes and needs;

* Consumer education, including education on the environmental, social and economic impacts of consumer choices;

* Availability of effective consumer redress;

* Freedom to form consumer and other relevant groups or organizations and the opportunity of such organizations to present their views in decision-making processes affecting them;

* The promotion of sustainable consumption patterns.