The Consumer Society and Citizen Networks Project Progress Report
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Consumer Organizations and Promotion of Sustainable Energy Consumption: Comparative Product Quality Testing and Its Impact
Panel III, 04 – Wahnschafft/Huh Consumer Organizations and Promotion of Sustainable Energy Consumption: Comparative Product Quality Testing and its Impact Ralph WAHNSCHAFFT Energy Resources Section, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UN-ESCAP), Bangkok, Thailand Kwisun HUH Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Hanguk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, Republic of Korea 1 - SYNOPSIS This paper reports selected preliminary results of an ongoing survey on consumer organizations. It analyzes comparative product quality testing and its potential impact on promotion of energy efficiency. 2 - ABSTRACT The paper provides an overview on consumer organizations in OECD and high income developing countries, in particular with regard to their consumer information activities. It focuses on a review of comparative product testing of selected electrical home appliances and on test reports in consumer interest magazines. The paper analyzes the relative weights allocated to the different product quality criteria, including energy efficiency. Based on the above the paper reflects on the role that consumer organizations can play in the promotion of “green consumerism” and sustainable energy consumption, in particular with regard to the residential sector. 3 - INTRODUCTION 3.1. Background and objectives Advancing commercialization of societies has brought with it the formation of a growing number of local and national consumer interest groups. Today, Consumers International, the largest federation of consumer organizations and agencies worldwide, counts 243 member organizations in over 110 countries (1). Individual organizations greatly differ in their membership and organization, their sources of financing and government sponsorship, their work methods, activities and relative political influence. However, enhancement of consumer protection and better consumer information are overall common objectives that unite the “consumer movement”. -
Experts Workshop on Information and Consumer Decision-Making for Sustainable Consumption Programme on Sustainable Consumption
OECD Environment Directorate Programme on Sustainable Consumption Experts Workshop on Information and Consumer Decision-Making For Sustainable Consumption 16-17 January 2001 OECD Headquarters, Paris BACKGROUND PAPER 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .................................................................................................................................................3 1. Information Channels ..............................................................................................................................3 1.1 Information in the Market..................................................................................................................4 1.1.1 Environmental Labelling: Eco-labels and Environmental Claims ..............................................4 1.1.2 Corporate Environmental Reports...............................................................................................7 1.1.3 Advertising ..................................................................................................................................7 1.1.4 Retailers: Strategic Information ..................................................................................................9 1.2 The Mass Media...............................................................................................................................10 1.3 Social Organisations ........................................................................................................................12 2. Information and Consumer Decision-Making -
The Proposed European Ban on Children's Television Advertising Janice H
Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business Volume 21 Issue 2 Winter Winter 2001 Barbie Banished from the Small Screen: The Proposed European Ban on Children's Television Advertising Janice H. Kang Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/njilb Part of the Juveniles Commons Recommended Citation Janice H. Kang, Barbie Banished from the Small Screen: The rP oposed European Ban on Children's Television Advertising, 21 Nw. J. Int'l L. & Bus. 543 (2000-2001) This Comment is brought to you for free and open access by Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business by an authorized administrator of Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. Barbie Banishedfrom the Small Screen 21:543 (2001) Barbie Banished from the Small Screen: The Proposed European Ban on Children's Television Advertising Janice H. Kang* Advertisers, toymakers, and candy companies are in a cold sweat all over Europe. Sweden took the helm of the European Union ("EU") as President in January 2001, and is expected to press for an EU-wide ban on television advertising to children. Will the ban pass? Should the ban pass? Calls for tighter restrictions on television advertising abound in Europe. Currently, alcohol, drugs, cars, and even fatty foods will soon come under scrutiny to determine whether commercials for such products should be banned.1 Concerns run to fraud and the glamorization of danger- ous activities. But the issue most hotly debated at present is the proposed ban on television advertising aimed at children. -
Challenges to Consumer Policy in the Digital Age
www.oecd.org/sti/consumer CHALLENGES www.oecd.org/going-digital TO CONSUMER http://oe.cd/digital-economy-papers POLICY IN THE @OECDInnovation DIGITAL AGE Background Report G20 International Conference on Consumer Policy TOKUSHIMA, JAPAN 5-6 SEPTEMBER 2019 2 CHALLENGES TO CONSUMER POLICY IN THE DIGITAL AGE This report is issued under the responsibility of the Secretary General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries or of the G20. This document, as well as any data and any map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law. © OECD, 2019 © OECD 2019 CHALLENGES TO CONSUMER POLICY IN THE DIGITAL AGE 3 Foreword The digital transformation that is underway in our economies and societies has provided consumers with a wealth of commercial opportunities while also bringing a number of new and emerging risks. This report provides an overview of selected key benefits and challenges faced by digital consumers, in support of discussions at the G20 International Conference on Consumer Policy in Tokushima, Japan on 5-6 September 2019. It focuses on six issue areas of particular importance to policy makers: adjusting policy to rapidly changing technologies (Chapter 1) strengthening cross-border co-operation (Chapter 2) enhancing the impact of product recalls in the digital age (Chapter 3) dispute resolution and redress and new technologies (Chapter 4) the role of consumer protection agencies in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (Chapter 5) protecting vulnerable consumers in the digital age (Chapter 6). -
A Quasi-Natural Experiment Using the Example of Stiftung Warentest
HOW FRAGILE IS THE CREDIBILITY OF A QUALITY LABEL? A QUASI-NATURAL EXPERIMENT USING THE EXAMPLE OF STIFTUNG WARENTEST Andreas Hildenbrand Institut für Betriebslehre der Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen Rainer Kühl Institut für Betriebslehre der Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen Anne Piper Institut für Betriebslehre der Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen Kontaktautor: [email protected] 2015 Schriftlicher Beitrag anlässlich der 55. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften des Landbaues e.V. „Perspektiven für die Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft nach der Liberalisierung“ Gießen, 23.-25. September 2015 Copyright 2015 by authors. All rights reserved. Readers may make verbatim copies of this document for non-commercial purposes by any means, provided that this copyright notice appears on all such copies. HOW FRAGILE IS THE CREDIBILITY OF A QUALITY LABEL? A QUASI-NATURAL EXPERIMENT USING THE EXAMPLE OF STIFTUNG WARENTEST Abstract In 2013, Stiftung Warentest tested hazelnut chocolate for their leading magazine, called Test. Stiftung Warentest is one of the most important consumer organizations in Germany. Ritter Sport is a high-quality producer of chocolate in Germany. Their hazelnut chocolate did not pass the test. It was given the grade of unsatisfactory. Stiftung Warentest accused Ritter Sport of labeling an artificial flavoring as a natural flavoring. Ritter Sport rejected the accusation. They went to court and won the trial. Using the Ritter Sport versus Stiftung Warentest case, we analyze whether negative headlines really undermine the credibility of a quality label by examining Stiftung Warentest and their Test label. In addition, we examine what can be done to restore or, more generally, increase the credibility of a quality label. -
2010 Annual Report
2010BEUC ANNUAL REPORT BEUC - Annual Report 2010 Major steps taken in financial services in favour of protecting the consumer 2010 was a difficult year for European consumers because of the aftermath of the financial and economic crisis. The origin of this crisis is also – if not mainly – a consequence of the lack of consumer protection measures in financial services and shows that a strong consumer policy is needed not only for individuals, but for the market, the economy and society as a whole. During 2010, this hard lesson has finally begun to bear fruit. It has led to proactive rethinking of the EU approach to consumer protection in financial services. Commissioner Barnier and his services within DG Markt were much more open to BEUC’s contributions on the need to better protect consumers. Major files in the financial sector – such as deposit guarantee schemes and investor compensation schemes, the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), home loans (e.g.: responsible lending, credit intermediaries, financial advice), access to basic payment accounts and, to a lesser extent, supervision of financial markets have been managed with due consideration of the specificities of the consumer perspective. Other legislative proposals which should be finalised in 2011 such as investment services also seem to be on the right track. More generally, the need to counterbalance the overwhelming influence of the financial sector in EU decision making has been acknowledged, both by MEPs and the Commissioner, who has initiated a reorganisation of stakeholder participation in expert groups. Also at global level, clear political will has been signalled to address the current blatant lack of efficient consumer protection in the financial services area. -
Enquiry Into Advice Services in France, Germany, the Netherlands
Lisa Webley & Sylvie Bacquet A REVIEW OF HOW OTHER COUNTRIES PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ADVICE TO THE VULNERABLE ON CONSUMER AND SOCIAL ISSUES REPORT TO THE DTI MAY 2006 SYLVIE BACQUET & LISA WEBLEY EMAIL: [email protected]; [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL OF LAW 4 LITTLE TITCHFIELD STREET LONDON W1W 7FW TEL: 020 7911 5000 FAX: 020 7911 5821 Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1337739 Sylvie Bacquet & Lisa Webley CONTENTS INTRODUCTION & METHOD ........................................................................................................... 3 FRANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 4 GERMANY.................................................................................................................................. 17 SWEDEN.................................................................................................................................... 28 THE NETHERLANDS ................................................................................................................... 40 COMPARISONS & CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................ 50 BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................... 55 2 Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1337739 Sylvie Bacquet & Lisa Webley INTRODUCTION & METHOD As part of the Comprehensive -
Consumer Reports the T Success at Consumers Union®: After Five Years “Bible” for Smart Shoppers
EXPERT INDEPENDENT NONPROFIT ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2006 OUR MISSION To work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace 8 for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves ELECTRONICS FRANCHISE CONTENTS >> 3 From the Board Chair 4 From the President 6 Content Franchises 10 12 Action 14 CU Impact by the Numbers 18 Products & Awards HEALTH & FAMILY FRANCHISE 20 Donors & Fundraising 24 Policies & Practices 25 Financials 26 Board of Directors 27 Senior Leadership Team 20 Eleanor and Ray Devereaux, who are receiving a tax advantage and supporting CU with a gift of their home. DONORS & FUNDRAISING FROM THE BOARD CHAIR onsumers Union celebrated its 70th anniversary C in February, and that milestone caused me to reflect on CU and its early roots. Our founders conceived OUR VISION IS A of an organization that would pair a sense of realism about WORLD WHERE: how the marketplace actually is with an idealism about the way the market could—and should—be. Products and One of CU’s founding members was A. Philip Randolph, services are safe, the legendary civil rights and labor leader. Another board reliable, and affordable. member,Betty Furness, served in the Johnson administration as Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs. Today’s board members recognize the need to safeguard and continue the Consumers have the great legacy of our many distinguished predecessors. information and know-how To do justice to this legacy and to ensure that the 18-member to make good choices. board is always governed by leaders with an optimal mix of talents and expertise, we changed our election process in October 2005. -
Study on Remuneration Structures of Financial Services Intermediaries and Conflicts of Interest (MARKT/2012/026/H) Final Report
Study on remuneration structures of financial services intermediaries and conflicts of interest (MARKT/2012/026/H) Final Report by Prof. Dr. jur. Udo Reifner, Prof. Dr. Doris Neuberger, Dr. Roger Rissi, Dr. Christine Riefa, Michael Knobloch, Sebastien Clerc-Renaud and Christian Finger Institut für Finanzdienstleistungen e.V.(iff) Rödingsmarkt 31/33 20459 Hamburg Tel.: + 49 40 30 96 91 0 Fax: + 49 40 30 96 91 22 Email: [email protected] Hamburg, 15 October 2013 Study on remuneration (MARKT/2012/026/H) ii Executive Summary The study has been conducted at a time where according to national discussions, despite the lessons from the financial crisis and a dented consumer confidence in the financial sector, unfair practices of the financial industry as well as the sale of inadequate products like payment protection insurance (PPI) have persisted. It especially considers the effects of certain remuneration systems on the willingness and ability of intermediaries to provide the best advice and to sell the most suitable products to consumers in the retail insurance markets. It covers ten EU Member States and examines the legal, economic and sociological information available through official statistics and publicly available materials, together with the results of the consultation of national experts and a variety of stakeholder groups in the member states covered by this study. The research was done in association with the Financial Services User Group of DG Internal Market and it aims to support the work of this Group in making recommendations to the Commission. The study spans a number of areas, including existing remuneration models, the variety of financial and non-financial incentives available to intermediaries, problematic areas such as the mis-selling of insurance products and the professions involved in intermediation. -
Policy Instruments for Resource Efficiency Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production
Policy Instruments for Resource Efficiency Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production Preface 1 Introduction 3 I. Regulatory Instruments I. 1 1. Norms and Standards I. 1 Case Study: European Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), European Union 2. Environmental Liability I. 7 Case Study: EU Environmental Liability Directive, European Union 3. Environmental Control and Enforcement I. 13 II. Economic Instruments II. 1 1. Environmental Taxes II. 1 Case Study: Trade Tax Reductions for Cleaner Production at Municipal Level, Paraguay Case Study: United Kingdom Landfill Tax, United Kingdom 2. Fees and User-Charges II. 9 3. Certificate Trading II. 13 Case Study: European Union Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme, European Union 4. Environmental Financing II. 19 Case Study: Environmental Fund Tunisia - Promotion with grant financing, Tunisia Case Study: KfW - Environmental Programme Promotion with preferential credit terms, Germany 5. Green Public Procurement II. 27 6. Subsidies II. 31 Case Study: Promotion of Solar Home Systems in Bangladesh, Bangladesh III. Research & Educational Instruments III. 1 1. Research and Development III. 1 Case Study: Environment-driven Business Development in Sweden, Sweden 2. Education and Training III. 7 IV. Cooperation Instruments IV. 1 1. Technology Transfer IV. 1 2. Voluntary Agreements IV. 5 Case Study: Voluntary Commitments in Chile (APLs), Chile V. Informational Instruments V. 1 1. Eco-labelling V. 1 Case Study: European Union Energy Label, European Union Case Study: Forest Stewardship Council Label (FSC), International 2. Sustainability Reporting V. 9 Case Study: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), International 3. Information Centres V. 15 Case Study: Effizienz-Agentur NRW (EFA), Germany 4. -
Social Media Scams: Understanding the Consumer Experience to Create a Safer Digital World
Social media scams: Understanding the consumer experience to create a safer digital world may 2019 Consumers International Social media scams 1 AbouT Us Consumers International is the membership organisation for consumer groups around the world. We believe in a world where everyone has access to safe and sustainable goods and services. We bring together over 200 member organisations in more than 100 countries to empower and champion the rights of consumers everywhere. We are their voice in international policy-making forums and the global marketplace to ensure they are treated safely, fairly and honestly. We are resolutely independent, unconstrained by businesses or political parties. We work in partnership and exercise our influence with integrity, tenacity and passion to deliver tangible results. With thanks to the Public Authority of Consumer Protection in Oman, for supporting the delivery of this international research led by Consumers International. Consumers International is a charity (No.1122155) and a not-for- profit company limited by guarantee (No. 04337865) registered in England and Wales. Consumers International Social media scams 2 Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................4 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................5 2 SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS EXPLAINED ..................................................................................................................6 -
Internal Market Among V4 Countries: Energizing Stakeholders' Activity To
Research Paper 1/2015 Internal Market among V4 Countries: Energizing stakeholders’ activity to press for its smoother functioning – January 2015 Internal Market among V4 Countries: Energizing stakeholders’ activity to press for its smoother functioning – Kryštof Kruliš January 2015 The Research Paper was prepared in the framework of the project named Smooth functioning of the Internal Market between V4 countries. The project is supported by the International Visegrad Fund. © 2015 Association for International Affairs. All rights reserved. Views expressed in the paper are not necessarily the official attitude of the publisher or the donor. Research Paper 1/2015 Internal Market among V4 Countries: Energizing stakeholders’ activity to press for its smoother functioning – January 2015 Summary The Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia are currently extremely open economies. Exports and imports alike are at very high levels relative to GDP (generally above three quarters of GDP). Only Poland, comparatively, is a less open economy with a lower level of engagement in foreign trade. Nevertheless, it still has a more open economy and depends more on foreign trade than similarly populous states of the EU, such as Spain. Furthermore, in 2013 all of the V4 countries reported a surplus trade balance, showing that their economies (expressed numerically relative to GDP) profited from participation in foreign trade. Not only do the V4 countries share the fact that their economies are focused predominantly on the foreign trade; they are also important export trading partners to each other. All V4 countries have at least one of the other V4 countries among their three most important export trading partners.