Regulation and consumer policy EU general consumer policy
- Common EU sales law: Why it's bad for UK consumers and should be scrapped - Which? Briefing (PDF: 523Kb)
01 November 2011Which? is opposed to the EC's proposal for a Common EU Sales Law. There is no evidence to support the need for such an instrument and it could reduce UK consumer rights. This briefing contains a FAQ about the Commission's proposal and explain exactly why it is bad for consumers.
- Collective redress: a case study - Which? Briefing (PDF: 52Kb)
01 July 2011This briefing outlines the collective action that Which? took against JJB Sports in 2008. It highlights why Which? argues that collective actions should be brought forward by designated bodies and why they should be based on the principles of opt-out and cy-pres.
- Collective redress - Which? Briefing (PDF: 528Kb)
08 June 2011In this briefing Which? outlines why collective redress systems need to be based on the principles of opt-out and cy-pres and why cases should be brought forward by designated bodies in order to be effective.
- Cross-border collective redress (EC) - Which? Response (PDF: 139Kb)
26 April 2011Which? argued that an EU cross border collective redress system is necessary to obtain compensation, should include an opt-out system and allow damages not claimed in an opt-out action to be distributed on a cy-pres basis.
- Policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and business - Which? Briefing (PDF: 54Kb)
08 February 2011This briefing summarised Which?'s position on the European Commission's consultation on policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and businesses.
- Policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and business - Which? Response (PDF: 112Kb)
31 January 2011While Which? supported the aim of greater cross EU border trade, we did not consider contractual terms to be a primary barrier. Which? did not believe that the Commission’s proposals would deliver the promised increase in cross border trade as other significant barriers to trade exist.
- Policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and business (MOJ) - Which? Response (PDF: 100Kb)
25 November 2010While Which? supported the aim of greater cross EU border trade, we did not consider contractual terms to be a primary barrier. Which? did not believe that the Commission’s proposals would deliver the promised increase in cross border trade as other significant barriers to trade exist.
- Vertical block exemption regulation (EC) – Which? Response (PDF: 89Kb)
18 September 2009Which? argued that the European Commission’s proposals for vertical block exemption regulation restrict e-commerce through its approach on selective distribution and ‘bricks and mortar’ clauses.
- EC Green Paper on consumer collective redress - Which? Response (PDF: 79Kb)
24 February 2009Which? argued that regulators should use their powers now, with the long-term aim being an EU-wide collective redress mechanism to ensure consumers are collectively awarded compensation.
- EU proposals for a Consumer Rights Directive - Which? Response (PDF: 296Kb)
02 February 2009Which? argued that, while the proposal for maximum harmonisation of consumer protections has some merit, it should not involve the weakening of existing UK consumer protections.
- Provision of information to patients (EC) - Which? Joint letter (PDF: 128Kb)
10 September 2008Along with eight high profile organisations, Which? wrote to the European Commission to express concern about plans to let pharmaceutical companies provide information on prescription medicines directly to consumers.
- EC White Paper on anti-trust damages - Which? Response (PDF: 124Kb)
28 May 2008An opt-out system with a ‘cy-pres’ distribution for competition redress actions brought by national consumer associations - or similar bodies on behalf of consumers - was vital. Without it, few redress actions would be brought.
- Legal proposals on information to patients (EC) - Which? Response (PDF: 54Kb)
07 April 2008Which? urged the Commission to adopt a consumer-centred approach to the problems of lack of harmonisation and unequal access to medicines, and produce a strategy regarding information about medicines before making specific legislative proposals.
- European cross border healthcare - Which? Response (PDF: 587Kb)
02 February 2007Which? supported the principle of access to cross border treatment, provided it does not undermine Members States’ provision of quality healthcare to their citizens. We did not see a likelihood of significant cross border patient mobility from the UK.
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