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At the first ministerial-level meeting of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) Committee on Consumer Policy, a declaration on effective consumer protection in the context of the dual transition was adopted, with the Ministry for National Economy joining the declaration.
The ministry’s statement said that the two-day meeting discussed the main challenges consumers face today and the policy responses to them. It is the first time that ministers and leaders responsible for consumer protection have jointly explored key issues for the future of consumer policy, such as the options and tools to tackle new unfair commercial practices, unsubstantiated environmental claims, and “greenwashing” in the online space.
The meeting also highlighted the emerging challenges of online product safety. On behalf of the Ministry for National Economy, Bence Gerlaki, Deputy State Secretary for Economic Development Strategy, said:
The protection of families is at the heart of consumer protection in Hungary, and Hungary is always at the forefront in identifying and filtering out products that pose a threat to consumers’ lives, health and safety.”
Numerous inspections by the authorities have confirmed that products advertised at low prices on various marketplaces often fail to meet even the most basic product safety standards. The aim is to ensure that only safe products are available on online marketplaces and that marketplace operators, in close cooperation with the authorities, take all necessary steps to ensure transparent, legal operation and a safe product offer, the ministry’s statement quoted the Deputy State Secretary as saying.
The meeting also saw the launch of a global awareness-raising and education campaign on the safety risks of lithium batteries, that will run until the beginning of next year and is being joined by 25 OECD member states, including Hungary.
The laboratory testing of lithium battery electrical products is part of the Consumer Protection Authority’s 2024 inspection and testing program. Participation in the campaign will ensure that both consumers and businesses are aware of the basic information necessary for the safe use of lithium batteries, the ministry stressed.
The government and the Ministry for National Economy will continue to do their utmost to ensure the conformity of products available both online and through traditional sales through active market surveillance activities, contributing to the protection of Hungarian families and the safe circulation of products, according to the statement.
Via MTI, Featured image: Pixabay