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Who is a Consumer

Any person who

Buys goods for a consideration which has been fully

or partially paid for, with a purpose that does not

include resale or any commercial purpose except self-employment

Hires or avails of any services for a consideration

which has been fully or partially paid for, with a

purpose that does not include free service or servicesunder a personal contract

Consumer protection refers to steps that are

necessary to protect the consumer from

business malpractices

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Parties to Consumer

Protection

Three interested parties consumers,

businesspersons and government

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Role of Consumers

Should take care of their own interests

Should know their rights and exercise them

Should not depend on business persons Have a right to be educated and to be heard

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Role of Business Persons

Should pay attention to consumer rights

Must supply quality goods and services at

reasonable prices Business associations should entertain

consumer complaints against members

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Role of Government

Should formulate laws and enforce

Should include consumer groups in policy

making

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UN Guidelines for

Governments

Ensure efficient distribution especially in rural

areas

Encourage consumer cooperatives

Ensure effective grievance redressal

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History of Consumer

Protection

In the 1920s there was a crack down on

exaggerated advertising claims

In 1960s Ralph Nader led the consumer

movement in the US

Consumers are helpless because they lack

information and awareness

Information such as expiry dates, nutritional

facts, etc. address this problem

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Consumer Legislations

Competition Act

Essential Commodities Act

Prevention of Food Adulteration Act Prevention of Black Marketing and

Maintenance of Supplies of Essential

Commodities Ac

Sale of Goods Act

Patent and Designs Act

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, etc.

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Consumer Protection Act

(COPRA)

Provides right to seek legal redress or

recover costs and damages for injury or loss

resulting from faulty or defective goods and

services bought for valuable consideration

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6 Consumer Rights under

COPRA

Right to safety

Right to be informed about quality, quantity,

potency, purity, standard and price

Right to choose and have access to a variety

of products at competitive prices

Right to be heard and to be assured that

grievances will receive due consideration

Right to seek redressal from unfair trade

practices

Right to consumer education

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Authorities under COPRA

District Forums established by State

Governments

State Commission established by State

Governments

National Commission established by Central

Government

Appeals go from district to state to national

commission

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The End