Speech Kuneva: Transformation of European consumer policy law

29 April 2008

Commissioner Kuneva will table “the most far-reaching overhaul of European consumer law in 20 years” in autumn by presenting a Framework Directive on Consumer Contractual Rights. Speaking in Berlin, the Commissioner on Consumer Affairs said this will simplify, regroup, align and harmonise the Distance Selling Directive, the Doorstep Selling Directive, the Unfair Contract Terms Directive and the Sales Directive.

 

Further details could only be confirmed until after the impact assessment process is complete. However, a number of issues are clearly on the legal and economic radar screen, she said.

 

The area concerning the right of withdrawal “is currently a minefield”, Kuneva said, with different lengths of ‘cooling off periods’ depending on the means of sale and the Member State in question. Issues to be solved include the right to impose a cost on the consumer for returning the good. “There is clearly a need for a detailed, common set of rules within the EU regarding the cooling off-period”, the Commissioner noted.

 

Further issues are related to information requirements, delivery and passing of risk, and unfair contract terms.

 

Full speech

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