Consumer Protection Cooperation

Briefing 15-02-2018

The Commission estimates that the detriment to consumers caused by non-compliance with basic EU consumer rules in certain cross-border online markets and also by inefficient cross-border enforcement amounts to €770 million per year. To remedy this, in May 2016 the Commission presented a legislative proposal to review the existing rules on consumer protection cooperation between enforcement authorities as part of its e-commerce package. The aim was to clarify the rules, give more powers to national enforcement authorities and improve their coordination, primarily to enable them to address unlawful online practices. Parliament and Council reached agreement on the proposal in June 2017, and formally adopted it in November. The new regulation covers ongoing infringements and those that have already ended, and lays down procedures for cooperation in cases of widespread infringements of consumer rights that affect consumers in multiple Member States. It entered into force on 16 January 2018 and applies from 17 January 2020. Fifth edition, based on an original briefing by Jana Valant. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.