INFO PUBLICATION OF DG XXIV 'CONSUMER POLICY' OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION - VOL. VI, No4 - 1996

INFO­C helps link the enshrined in Article 129a of European Commission, and EDITORIAL the EC Treaty, notably the Community institutions provides that Community generally, with the various action shall support and players in the world of By Emma Bonino, supplement the information consumer affairs, particularly European Commissioner responsible policy pursued by the the consumer organizations. for consumer policy Member States. Pooling of But its range extends well experience between the beyond the frontiers of the national authorities respon­ European Union, since it has sible for consumer issues, subscribers in more than in which the Commission 70 third countries. It is also a has its role to play, should forum for the exchange of be one strand of this policy. views on topical consumer issues. This is most welcome Here INFO­C has a role to and from now on I hope to play. Naturally its pages are contribute more frequently to already open to infor­ INFO­C and to the debates it mation from the Member features. States, but I would it like it to allocate even more Moreover, the Community's column inches to the consumer policy, which is initiatives ­ big or small ­

INFO-C Summary European Commission DG XXIV 'Consumer Policy' rue de la Loi 200 Consumer Protection 3 Β- 1049 Brussels Tel.: +32 2 296 55 37 Euro-Infos 12 Fax: +32 2 299 18 57 Editor: Countries 19 Nicolas Genevay Date : Case Law 31 Texts finalized 15.07.96 ISSN N0IOI8-5755 Publications 32

August 96 Diary 44 Bureau de dépôt : Antwerpen Χ . Imprimé à taxe réduite

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 taken by the national authorities, Moreover, after the summer 3 September, and public services, in order to cast more light on their break, several topics which I which will be the subject of consumer policy. Naturally, this want to be treated as Commis- another forum in Rome on 4 and cannot be done without the help sion priorities for 1996-1998 will 5 October, of the authorities themselves, be at the hub of Community and therefore I urge them to do activity, notably the information I wish a good homecoming and their bit. society, which will be the subject every success in their work to all of a forum in Dublin on INFO-C readers.

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A healthy diet for consumers

On 25 and 26 June the 5th European order to establish or reestablish this results of these controls. Each year Food Law Conference was held in confidence. millions of animal carcasses are Brussels - an opportunity for Emma examined, tens of thousands of Bonino to give a talk on product There are at least four points to be products are tested, thousands of safety, which is summarized below. addressed: product liability, controls, establishments are inspected... but the the impact of the law, and the search results of these activities are not While food production is becoming for alternative solutions. sufficiently known to the public. This increasingly sophisticated as a result of lack of transparency can only kindle rapid technological progress, and First, product liability. A large number consumer distrust. while stable or even falling prices of quality and safety problems allow an increasing number of encountered by consumers concern In my view consumer organizations consumers to buy products which up unprocessed agricultural produce or should be entitled to participate in to now were the privilege of a few, the produce of hunting or fishing. In' official controls, in line with modalities these consumers are increasingly contrast with processed goods, which to be defined, and consumers should concerned about their health and are covered by a Community Directive have the right to know the results. safety. on product liability that allows damages to be recovered without the Thirdly, the impact of'the law. In DG XXIV-funded surveys conducted in victim having to prove the producer's Community law food safety is not recent years by European consumer negligence, there is no such remedy in addressed as such, but is as a rule organizations have shown that for the case of unprocessed produce linked to quality. Indeed, with the some food safety is far from optimum unless the Member State in which the exception of the 1992 Directive on and consumer health may sometimes producer is established has decided general product safety, safety is even be in jeopardy. Examples otherwise. regulated on a piecemeal basis in abound: contamination of chicken several Community Directives and meat by salmonella and Campylo• Personally I think that the systematic regulations, such as those concerning bacter, inadequate microbiological extension of the principle of no-fault additives, flavourings, sweeteners, quality of certain processed foods, liability to agricultural products would foodstuff colouring agents, contami• presence of residues of banned, help to (re)establish consumer nants, pesticides, extraction solvents, anabolic substances in beef, presence confidence. materials and articles coming into of nitrates in certain vegetables, contact with foodstuffs, hygiene, food inadequate hygiene and freshness of Secondly, controls. So-called official processing methods, or again new fish, etc. controls are a matter for the Member foodstuffs. States. However, not all have the same Naturally the Commission is not resources at their disposal, so that, even Wouldn't it be better to opt for a standing idly by. It wants the in the Single Market, consumers in diffe• homogeneous approach, hence applicable laws to be reinforced; but rent European countries do not always avoiding all the useless duplications of what clout will such measures have if enjoy the same level of protection. effort as well as the gaps? their implementation is not policed? In my view the Commission should For example, the European consumer Hence we are facing a crisis of urge the Member States to implement organizations' survey on the bacterio• confidence which concerns both food coordinated inspection programmes, logical quality of chicken meat focused and Community law. as permitted by Community legislation. on the shortcomings in the way the general rules mesh with the sectoral Here are a number of ideas on the On the other hand, there is the rules. In this case two sectoral strands I think we should explore in question of consumer access to the directives applied, one to fresh INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 CONSUMER PROTECTION

poultrymeat and the other to protec­ The information on the label has a However, we should be wary of tion against certain zoonoses, but two safety dimension. Even if all possible certain perverse effects. Hence directives of a general nature were also precautions are taken at all stages in labelling that identifies a product's involved, viz. the directives on hygiene the production, transformation and origin may retard the development of and the official control of food. marketing of food, there remains the intra-Coriimunity trade. Generally, the consumer himself. For it is the multiplication of labels runs up against Wouldn't it be more effective to consumer who - because of his inex­ a dual limit - a physical limit, that of consolidate the general hygiene rules perience or susceptibility to food fads the size and shape of the supports and applicable to all foodstuffs in one text and advertising pressures - is the weak packaging, and a psychological limit, of a general nature, while relegating to link in the food chain! namely consumers' capacity to take the annexes the specific rules required cognisance of, understand and benefit that are currently located in the For example the problem of allergies from the mass of information offered to sectoral texts? illustrates the need to provide more them. labelling information. Allergies pose a Fourthly, the search for alternative particular dilemma in this regard, in The forthcoming presentation by the solutions. We must consider the need that the number of potential allergenic Commission of a Green Paper on to overhaul the model of agricultural substances is unlimited, while the Community food law will provide an development which we have known number of individuals affected by a opportunity to address all these topics for several decades. given allergenic substance is often very small and so the possibilities of I am convinced that a more prominent creating appropriate labelling are role must be given to organic considerably reduced. Nonetheless, production and that every opportunity solutions must be found, as the must be given to producers who wish Commission has emphasized in its Contact: Roland Feral priorities for 1996-1998 in the field of to move in this direction, which to European Commission - DG XXIV some degree can help guarantee better consumer policy, because this is a case rue de la Loi 200 quality and more safety for consumers. where the consumers concerned can RP3 7/6 really make the most of labelling Β = 1049 Brussels information. Tel.: +32 2 295 8415 Finally, I would like to make a number Fax.: +32 2 29918 56 of points on food labelling. Email: [email protected]

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Consumer policy must be part of development policy

On 7 May, Emma Bonino addressed populations from being offered medications, how to dispose of the first African Conference on dangerous products or products whose household refuse, how to recycle Consumer Policy, organized by the shelf-life has expired, being abused by urban waste, the advantage of buying UN Department of Policy Coordination misleading advertising or having their local products, etc., as well as helping and Sustainable Development and the habitat destroyed by unbridled to make drinking water available to African Regional Bureau of Consumers wastage of natural resources, and on more people and take children off the International in Harare, Zimbabwe. helping them satisfy their basic needs streets and into classrooms. Some of Here is a summary of her speech. for drinking water, medicines and these ideas have already been wholesome food. implemented as pilot projects, while The Conference is very opportune, as others will be integrated in a soon-to- everyone is celebrating the 10th All this shows that although the be-drawn-up multi-annual action plan. anniversary of the UN Consumer adoption of basic consumer protection The Commission will submit a request Guidelines this year and looking for legislation in each African country is to the European Parliament for this ways to implement them in Africa necessary and will be encouraged, it is plan to be financed by an independent through legislation aimed at protecting by no means sufficient and therefore budget line in the 1997 budget. the health and safety of African needs to be complemented by a more consumers. global approach, which the European Ultimately, these initiatives should be Commission intends to promote. transposed to other parts of the world Certain African countries, such as where disadvantaged consumers can Zimbabwe and Tunisia, have already The key concept here is sustainable benefit from them. passed such legislation and can consumption for sustainable develop• boast very influential consumer ment (and vice versa), which the But in the meantime, the United organizations. This, however, needs to Commission identified as one of its Nations, the governments of the be generalized to the entire continent priorities in its three-year action plan African countries as well as their with a view to including consumer for the protection of'consumers regional and local authorities, policy in development policy. adopted in November 1995. the governments of the developed countries, the European Commission, Consumer policy as applied to Concretely, the Commission has the European Parliament and, last but developing countries should not focus decided to play a role in helping to not least, consumer organizations, primarily on market-oriented conside• inform African citizens/consumers, should all join forces in order to make rations such as 'value for money', as it especially women and young people, disadvantaged populations in Africa often does in industrialized countries, on food hygiene rules, food better off both as citizens and but on protecting disadvantaged conservation methods, how to use consumers'.

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Simpler rules for subsidizing projects designed to support consumer policy in 1997

The Commission recently published in Greater transparency is being sought without any contact whatsoever the Official Journal of the European by emphasizing priority topics and between the promoters. Hence - and Communities' an invitation to present project selection criteria. Moreover a independently of the value of the projects eligible for financial support model for submitting requests is projects - the effectiveness of the in 1997. There has been a major drive annexed to facilitate handling of the measures taken in favour of con• to simplify the selection procedure and dossiers and thus to accelerate the sumers are reduced. to ensure the coordinated implemen• selection process. tation of the best projects. Therefore coordinated actions are The role of the project promoters being encouraged and the promoters' - This year the schedule has been should thus be reinforced, and this is dynamism should lead to national- changed: projects for 1997 must be what the Commission wants. level actions at least. It has been submitted before 31 October 1996. Experience shows that the potential convincingly demonstrated that there Hence the organizations and project for synergy in consumer policy has is a direct link between the size (in promoters will be able to plan, their not been fully explored. Many pro• other words the geographical scope) activities more precisely and funding jects - often of high quality - are of a project and its impact. Hence pro• will be assured from the beginning being developed at local level or moters are invited to pool their talents of the 1997 financial year, once the have a very narrow focus, while in order to develop joint projects. budgetary authority has decided on similar initiatives may be under way the sums to be appropriated. in another geographical area, OJC 213. p. 18 of 23.07.1996.

Green Paper on financial services

On 22 May the European selling and the Commission's desire as consumers, such as providers' refusal Commission adopted a Green Paper expressed in its 'Priorities for consumer to sell financial services to non• called Financial services: meeting policy 1996-1998' to provide con• residents and the inadequate consumers' expectations', prepared sumers with better protection in the information they give their clients, the under the aegis of Commissioners context of financial services. scams run by certain unscrupulous Mario Monti, responsible for the intermediaries, the absence of tax internal market, and Emma Bonino, The Green Paper first surveys the harmonization between Member responsible for consumer policy. This statutory achievements in the Single States, as well as the difficulties in Green Paper discusses the particular Market for financial services, high• recovering damages encountered by protection which individual con• lighting the fact that these achieve• residents of a Member State who have sumers should enjoy in regard to such ments should from now translate, for a road accident in another Member services, notably in the case of cross- the beneficiaries, into greater State (when these accidents are caused border transactions. competition at EU level, but also into by a local vehicle and thus not covered greater economies of scale and, for by the 'Green Card'). This document is the upshot of a clash consumers, into a wider choice. between Council and Parliament's Finally it proposes various ways of refusal to include financial services in It then goes on to discuss the protecting consumers in the case of the scope of the Directive on distance numerous problems still facing distance sales (including cross-border

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 CONSUMER PROTECTION

sales) of financial services, which fall Green Paper, which is the first general European Commission - DG XV outside the remit of the distance selling document addressing the role of rue de la Loi 200 Β -10-49 Brussels directive currently in the process of consumers in the Single Market Fax: +32 2 295 65 00 adoption. for financial services. It is only on this basis that the Commission will In conclusion, the Commission examine the advisability -of presenting emphasizes that it is in the interest of new initiatives. all parties involved in the debate, and not only the lobbies represented in For a copy of this Green Paper, mail or Brussels, to provide feedback on this fax a request to: 1 COMC96) 209 final.

Harmonization of the methods of comparing the cost of consumer credit The annual percentage rate of charge also obliged the Commission to submit Directive 90/88) are as follows: for credit (APR) is the total cost of to the Council, by that date, 'a report, - confirmation of the 'EC formula' for credit to the consumer (including accompanied by a proposal, which will the calculation of the APR; interest and other charges) expressed make it possible in the light of - increased accuracy in the formula as an annual percentage of the amount experience, to apply a single Commu­ (the use of a 365 - or 366 - day year of credit granted. As it is an 'all- nity mathematical formula for and two decimal places of accuracy inclusive' rate, consumers can use the calculating the annual percentage rate in the expression of the result of the APR to compare different credit offers, of charge'. calculation); of varying amounts and duration, within their Member State or from On the basis of a study by an expert in - the use of a logo in addition to the another. financial mathematics, other studies of existing term for 'annual percentage the transposition of the Directive' into rate', in order to aid transparency The first Consumer Credit Directive1 national law and, particularly, contacts and consumer comprehension. . introduced the principle that there with governmental experts, the should be a uniform method European Commission adopted a The confirmation of the formula as the throughout the European Community Report on the operation of Directive 'single Community mathematical for calculating the APR. The second 90/88 (consumer credit) and a formula' for calculating the APR will Consumer Credit Directive' then Proposal for the modification of have implications for the three introduced a common method for Directive 87/102" on 12 April 1996, countries which have continued to use calculating the APR in accordance with which concluded that transposition of different formulae (Germany, France a common mathematical formula (the Directive 90/88 has been completed in and Finland). 'EC formula', contained in the Annex to the Member States of the European that Directive). Community and the other members of The reason for using a single formula is the European Economic Area'. that the use of different formulae Because Member States were permitted results in different APRs even though (for a transitional period to 31 Based on the report, the main the amount of the credit and the December 1995) to continue to use proposals in the proposed Directive repayments are identical. For example, different mathematical formulae (at amending Directive 87/102 (the the German method produces a higher present, only Germany, France and original Consumer 'Credit Directive, rate than the EC method, while the Finland do so), Directive 90/88/EEC which had in turn been amended by French method produces a lower rate.

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A German credit offer therefore be cheaper, a competitive advantage appears to be more expensive than a with credit offers from countries using credit calculated by the EC formula, the EC formula: while a French credit offer appears to

Life span (months) Interests (ecus) APR using APR using APR using German 360 day EC method ■ French method method

6 60 21.49% 22.29% 20.29% 12 120 24.66% 23.70% 21.46% IS 180 24.27% 24.00% 21.65% 24 240 24.34% 23.84% 21.58% 48 480 23.09% 22.86% 20.75%

It should be noted, however, that the This logo will be identical in all monthly and total repayments are the Member States, regardless of the Directive 87/102/EEC for the approximation same ­ only the rate differs. language used, and will therefore ôf the laws, regulations and administrative 8 make it easier for consumers to provisions of the Member States concerning consumer credit, OJ No L 42; 12.2.87, p. 48. Moreover, in order to enable compare cross­border credit offers. consumers to recognize the different Directive 90/88/EEC amending Directive 87/102/EEC, OJ No L 6l, 10.03.90, p. 14. terms used in other Member States to The proposed Directive has, in accor­ indicate the APR, it is proposed to dance with the co­decision procedure, COM(96)79 of .12.04.96: Report on the oper­ ation of Directive 90/88 and a Proposal for a require the inclusion of a common been transmitted to the European European Parliament and Council Directive feature ­ a logo ­ in addition to the Parliament and the Council. The amending Directive 87/102 (as amended by existing terms for APR, in all consumer Economic and Social Committee will Directive 90/88) for the approximation of the credit advertisements and agreements: also prepare an Opinion. Given that laws, regulations and administrative pro­ visions of the Member States concerning Directive 90/88/EEC envisaged that the consumer credit. procedure for the final adoption of this Directives 87/102/EEC and 90/88/EEC were Directive would be completed within incorporated into the EEA Agreement and six months, the Commission hopes that therefore apply throughout the EEA. the Directive will be adopted and in force shortly. .TV*"* fr fr­ Contact: Mary Teresa Moran fr % fr European Commission ­ DG XXIV rue de la Loi 200 RP3 2/17 fr. .fr Β ­1049 Brussels fr^fr Tel.: +32 2 296 54 27 Fax: +32 2 295 94 90 Email: mary­[email protected]

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 CONSUMER PROTECTION

Consumer services research in Europe

On 18­19 April a seminar on compara­ 2. the transfer of testing methodology Nevertheless, all participants agreed tive tests of services, organized by from both of these groups of that consumer research, including Stiftung Warentest of Germany western organizations to organ­ comparative tests, is essential, on the and Consumentenbond of the izations in Russia and Central .and one hand, for the broad formulation of Netherlands, with financial support Eastern Europe. consumer policies and, on the other, from DG XXIV, was held in Berlin. The for providing ammunition (case two previous seminars, held in 1993 This year's seminar revealed that studies) for lobbying for or against and 1994, covered comparative tests of consumer organizations active in specific policy proposals. This is why products. The fundamental issue has, services research do not have much of both institutions such as the European however, always been the same, a cross­border perspective ­■ a Commission, and consumer organ­ namely the credibility of such tests. shortcoming which is mainly due to izations, can benefit as much from the This can only be achieved through the the relative weakness of the internal work test organizations do on services as from that done on products. homogeneity of results, i.e. that the market in services, and that the same results are reached whenever, services area is extremely complex, not INFO­C will inform you of the forth­ wherever and by whomever similar only because of its scope (from coming publication of the proceedings products and/or services are tested. hairdressing to financial advice), but of this seminar in a future issue. Hence the Berlin seminars have been also because of methodological focussing on: obstacles: while it is relatively easy to Contact: Jens Ring 1. closer co­operation on themes and set criteria for the quality of, say, a European Commission ­ DG XXIV methods of comparative testing dishwasher or a VCR, a debate on RP3 2/3 between the independent, non­ the criteria for the quality of health rue de la Loi 200 profit consumer organizations and services or higher education is, likely to Β ­1049 Brussels Tel.: +32 2 295 69 47 the (para)statal consumer organ­ be endless! Fax: +32 2 296 79 18 izations, and Email: [email protected]

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 CONSUMER PROTECTION

International consumer group inaugurates campaign for patients' rights

The right to choose treatments, the 10-point Charter of basic rights, that any such document needs to right to receive accurate information including appropriate and accessible address, detailed guides on how to go and clear explanations, the right to health care, freedom from discri• about such a campaign and how to redress any grievances, etc. - all mination, informed consent about assess the quality of health care, and patients should have all these rights. treatment, and redress in the event of an international listing of the status of injury. patients' charters around the world. Yet, according to Consumers International (CI), in most countries, For patients, these rights should serve For.more information, and/or to obtain either there are no laws concerning as a framework for campaigning for the material, please contact: patients' rights or, when such laws do higher-quality health care. For health exist, they seem to have been designed workers, they should serve as a guide María Elena Hurtado to protect doctors rather than patients. to professional codes of conduct. Consumers International 24 Highbury Crescent UK-London N5 1RX CI says it's time to change that. To help consumer activists fight for Tel: +44 171226 6663 Accordingly, it is inaugurating a national patients' charters, CI is also Fax: -+44171354 0607 Patients' Rights campaign based on a publishing a leaflet defining key issues Email: [email protected]

10

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 CONSUMER PROTECTION

DG XXIV's Organization Chart: Corrigendum

The presentation of DG XXIV's new structure in the last issue of INFO­C was incorrect. The text should have read:

Director­General Spyros A. Pappas

Assistant to the Director General ... Adviser Jean­Jacques Râteau

Units directly attached to the Director­General 1. Legal matters Dieter Hoffmann Adviser responsible for coordinating the monitoring group with the Member States Antoine van der Haegen 2. Resources ' 3. Development of consumer information .and representation1

77 Directorate A: Community measures in favour of consumers Director Peter Prendergast

1. Consumer training and the information society Kenneth Roberts 2. Transactions Jean­Marie Courtois 3. Products Mercedes De Sola ι 4. Services 5. Sustainable consumption Walter De Klerck

1 INFO­C's unit.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 EURO ¡aINFO S

The Irish team proudly show their 1st Prize

12 Spyros Pappas shares in the enthusiasm of the British team, who won the 2nd Prize

Mireille Leroy, Director of the EIICA, and Spyros Pappas congratulate the Italian team on their 3rd Prize

The Finnish team put their Young Jury Prize in the spotlight INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 EURO ι ËHfQS

Ireland is the European champion!

No, we don't mean the Eurovision studied the possibility of recycling ­ Germany: Haupt­ und Realschule, Song Contest but the equally popular worn sports shoes'; and the Finnish Schiffdorf (products studied: European Young Consumer team from the Vaissaren Yläaste in compact discs). Competition. On 29 May Spyros Raisio, which received the Young Jury Pappas, Director­General of DG XXIV, Prize (a 'heartbeat prize' awarded, as in In his address, Spyros Pappas said that awarded the first prize to the Irish team the previous year, by a jury of pupils the European Young Consumer for their remarkable performance in from the European Schools in Competition was emblematic of the 1996 competition, to the applause Brussels), presented ideas for how European construction was of a large and enthusiastic audience. combating the wasteful use of paper in progressing, i.e. through healthy an original and amusing manner. competition and fruitful cooperation And the competition was as extremely between peoples. He went on to keen! No fewer than 551 teams of The other participants were: underscore the crucial topicality of this school children aged from 12 to 14 had ­ Luxembourg: Lycée Agricole, year's theme, intimately bound up with decided to try their luck in this year's Ettelbruck (product studied: paper); the concept of 'sustainable contest, whose theme was 'The ­ Austria: BG­BRG, Klagenfurt (prod­ consumption' ­ a concept which was impact of consumer behaviour on ucts studied: fruit juice and organic far from easy to flesh out in practice, as the environment'. Hence on 29 May products); was becoming increasingly obvious. it was the 15 winners of the national Hence the relevance of the very ­ Denmark: Lindeskovskolen, Nykøbing rounds organized in all the Member pragmatic work done by young (product studied: electricity); States of the EU that congregated in Europeans in the context of the 13 Bmssels for the European final. ­ Belgium: Athénée Royal Jean competition. Finally, he expressed his d'Avesnes, Jemappes (product admiration for the quality of the entries Specifically, participants had to choose studied: paper); from all the teams, saying that they had a product normally used by young ­ Portugal: Escola Básica, Trafaria all won by virtue of having partici­ people and examine how to consume it (product studied: coca­cola); pated, and concluded with a heartfelt in such a way as to minimize possible ­ France: Collège Le Laoul, Bourg­ 'congratulations to all!' damage to the environment. The Irish Saint­Andéol (products studied: team from the Holy Rosary College in plastic bags); Mountbellew (County Galway) and the ­ Netherlands: Montessori Lyceum, British team from the Ardrossan Amsterdam (products studied: Academy in Ayrshire (Scotland) won canned drinks); first and second prizes respectively, They proposed that they be recycled as floor both having focused on environmental ­ Sweden: Sotenässkolan, Kunghamn, covering for gym rooms ­ an idea which a 2 problems linked to the life­cycle of (product studied: 'caviar' ); local firm to which it was submitted con­ sidered quite feasible! chips and their packaging; the Italian ­ Greece: Galatsi Lyceum, Athens team from the Scuola Media Adrara (products studied: notebooks); In fact a paste based on fish eggs (but not sturgeon, as in the case of genuine caviar, S. Martino at Adrara S. Martino ­ Spain: Colegio Santa Maria, which few adolescents could afford) sold in (Bergamo), which came third, had Alboraya (product studied: water); tubes and very popular in Sweden.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 EURO INFOS

New version of the Guide

'The updated version of the addresses general consumer protection The European Consumer Guide to the European Consumer Guide to the in six areas in which the Community Single Market - Second Edition is Single market should prolong the has legislated: general product safety, available in the eleven official success of the first edition, of which canvassing, distance selling, contracts, languages of the EU for the price of almost 500 000 copies have been advertising and labelling. Part 3 9 ecu (excluding VAT), and can be distributed', declared Emma Bonino in presents the Community rules ordered from the distributors of the the context of the publication of the applicable to ten specific products and Office for the Official Publications of second edition of 'this work, which services: food and drink, pharma­ the European Communities. now covers the legislation of the three ceutical products, cosmetics, toys, For the addresses of these distributors new Member States. textiles, motor cars, travel and tourism, and any additional information, write housing, financial services and fax or Email to: The 250-page guide highlights the insurance. Throughout the chapters Alexandre Dias concrete benefits that Europe offers to the guide candidly highlights areas European Commission - DG XXIV consumers. Part 1 briefly describes where consumers could be better aie de la Loi 200 the regulatory framework and protected than they are, and which RP3 3/32 Β -1049 Baissels could be the subject of further provides numerous practical tips on Fax: +32 2 295 24 77 cross-border shopping. Part 2 legislation. Email: [email protected]

14 The 'Citizens First' campaign and consumers

The 'Citizens First' information Single Market in different domains, the national authorities and NGOs that campaign, organized at President including: can be of assistance to them. Moreover Santer's initiative by DG XV 'Internal • Buying goods and services in other independent experts will be on call for Market', in close collaboration with DG countries of the European Union; people who have encountered XXIV 'Consumer Policy', DG V 'Social problems in exercising their rights. • How to benefit from financial Affairs' and DG X 'Information, services in the European Union; Communication, Culture and Audio­ Part of the campaign budget will be visual Media' at the European • Travelling within the European devoted to funding parallel measures Commission, will embrace several Union. organized by the NGOs. topics specially targeting the 'citizen These three topics will be addressed in consumer' - including financial February andMarch 1997. services, travel, and the cross-border purchase of goods and services. Consumers will be able to dial a Contact: Anita Fokkema freephone number to order guides and European Commission - DG XXIV This campaign, scheduled to run from country-specific dossiers explaining aie de la Loi 200 November 1996 to summer 1997, will how they can make the most of these RP3 7/15 consist of a raft of measures designed rights and opportunities in each Β -1049 Brussels Tel.: +32 2 296 38 66 to inform the general public of the Member State. The country-specific Fax: +32 2 299 18 56 rights and opportunities offered by the dossiers will also contain the details on Email: [email protected]

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 Æ^JNFOS

The Committee of the Regions comments on the Commission's priorities

At its plenary session of 13 June the also by other organizations, such as electronic payment devices, until Committee of the Regions (COR) environmental groups. Finally it recalls measures have been taken to give adopted an Own-opinion initiative that if Europe wants cross-border them the confidence they need to on the Communication from the shopping to develop it must give purchase financial services in other Commission on Priorities for consumers the opportunity to settle Member States, and until the Consumer Policy 1996-1998'. small cross-border disputes without directive on cross-border transfers difficulty. has been adopted. Firstly the COR indicates that the 4. Protect consumer interests in the reason it has adopted an own-opinion Thirdly, it comments specifically on provision of essential services of initiative on this Commission each of the 10 priorities mentioned by public utility. document is that the proposals it the Commission. Currently, the trend is towards contains are liable to affect certain, 1. Intensify consumer education and deregulation or indeed privatization local authorities, notably in the context information efforts. of these services. Since it considers of the references made to consumer Although it considers that such that there is a risk that this trend interests in the supply of essential measures are not enough to provide may clash with the principle of services of public interest, services consumers with adequate protection equal access to these services for all which often cater to regional and/or (see above) the COR is quite consumers, the COR urges the local needs. favourable to measures of this kind, national and Community authorities 15 such as the inclusion of consumer not to omit, in their liberalization Secondly, it makes a number of issues in the compulsory school plans, taking into account the general observations. In brief the COR curriculum and the creation of regional and social policy impera• is happy that the Commission has information channels designed to tives linked to the supply of these given particular attention to services of rapidly alert consumers to 'ano• services. On the other hand the COR general interest, financial services and malies' in the market. considers that these principles of. the safety of foodstuffs, is keen to consumer protection should be promote sustainable consumption and 2. Update the legislation to ensure that applied to the supply of these to use information technology in the consumer interests are taken into services as well as to other services. context of consumer policy. However, account in the Single Market. it considers that the Commission puts The COR would like an assessment 5. Allow consumen to benefit from the too much confidence in the effects of of the way the Community rules advantages of the information information and education which, governing consumer protection are society. according to the COR, mainly benefit applied in the different Member The COR approves this objective, consumers who are already informed States and to see an end to the emphasizing the regional and even and vigilant, as well as the organ• divergences which prevent the local character of potential initiatives izations representing their interests. Single Market from working in this direction. For example it The COR goes on to recommend that properly. mentions the possibility of creating, European consumer policy pay closer 3. Protect consumers in the framework at local level, a network for attention to the interests of vulnerable of financial sewices. providing advice in regard to cross- groups such as children, adolescents, The COR considers that the internal border trade. It also mentions immigrants, the disabled, disadvan• market in financial services will not the possibility of using the infor• taged households, etc., and that it really take off until consumers are mation superhighway to increase remain open to suggestions framed not ' better protected (possibly by a information pooling between only by consumer organizations but directive) in the context of using administrations, institutions 'and

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 ^M*INFOS

organizations responsible for of consumer organizations, but it these countries,' because they are consumer policy at local, regionär, considers that these organizations often the prime victims not only as national and Community levels. should be supported above all at consumers but also as a workforce. 6. Increase consumer confidence in regional and local levels. On the In this respect it urges the foodstuffs. other hand it would like consumers Commission to consider the and users to have the possibility The COR approves the Commission's possibility of affixing special labels of genuinely participating in intention to prepare a Green Paper to products from developing on foodstuffs legislation. It wants standardization work, an objective countries whose manufacture has consumer policy to have a greater which can only be achieved by not involved child labour. impact on foodstuffs policy and helping consumers and user organ­ measures adopted to ensure that izations win the necessary powers. labelling is more exhaustive and 9. Help the Central and Eastern For the text of the Opinion, contact: easier for consumers to understand. European Countries design consu­ Committee of the Regions 7. Encourage the adoption of sustain­ mer protection policies. rue Belliard 79 The COR is happy that the able consumption patterns. Β ­1049 Brussels The COR welcomes the Commis­ Commission considers it necessary Tel.: +32 2 282 22 11 sion' recognition of the link that the indispensable preparatory Fax: +32 2 282 21 80 between consumption and the work for accession to the EU include the preparation of such environment. It recommends the For further information, contact the creation of an effective European policies. It emphasizes that the EU rapporteurs: labelling system allowing consu­ can provide invaluable aid to the 16 mers to make ecological choices, as CEEC by encouraging active Ken Johansson / Barbo Sundback cooperation, both within these well as the adoption of measures Committee of the Regions urging consumer organizations and countries and between these rue Belliard 79 individual consumers to participate countries and the EU, between local Β ­1049 Brussels in regional or local projects authorities and organizations Tel: +32 2 282 22 11 designed to reduce harm to the responsible for consumer policy. Fax: +32 2 282 21 80 environment. 10. Contribute to the creation of a

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 EURO YNFOS

Seminar on the Information Society and the Consumer

Members of the European Commis• the importance of 'consumer (Belgium) described their organiz• sion, consumer organizations, empowerment', while Ms Lennard ation's home-pages and the possibilities consultancies and academic institu• from the National Consumer Council of interactivity for consumers. The tions from across Europe met on (UK) expressed concern over the seminar was given a global dimension 4 June in Bnissels to discuss the role of increasing knowledge gap between by Ms Harris of Consumers Interna• the consumer in the information rich and poor, and young and old, and tional who informed participants of the society. The seminar was organized by questioned the definition of the level of information technology in DG XXIV, in collaboration with BEUC, concept of 'universal service'. Ms offices of her organization throughout in accordance with the Commission's Kerstiëns from BEUC highlighted the the world and also drew attention to view that consumer policy in the importance of transaction security, the situation in developing countries. information society is an important contractual relations and data priority for its work. It also coincided protection, while Professor Van Dijk The ensuing discussion again focused with the completion of a study in this from the University of Utrecht spoke of on the dangers of exclusion which area which DG XXIV had requested the advantages of a better-informed certain developments (for example and is to act as a catalyst for greater consumer and producer but warned of pay-TV) could bring to some discussion at the Forum on the the dangers of an information consumers and on the need not to Information Society to be held in overload. waste any time in getting to grip with Dublin on 3-4 September. the challenges posed by the All speakers clearly saw benefits in the information society. However, over- Commissioner Emma Bonino opened information society but stressed the regulation was considered by Mr the seminar by asking consumer importance of creating an information Wolsing from Verbraucherzentrale of organizations to help the Commission society for all regardless of age, North-Rhine Westphalia to be a danger to make sure that the consumer's voice income, sex or geographic location. to growth and progress. Arguments is heard in the developing information The role of the Commission, and more were put forward in favour of keeping society. She spoke of the increasingly specifically that of DG XXIV, was seen any necessary regulations aligned with important role of consumer education, as setting up a consumer advisory commercial reality. especially in schools, and the need for committee at European level giving easy price and performance expert knowledge to consumer The last speaker of the day was Ms comparison of new communication organizations. Kaminara from DG XIII's Information technology. Society Project Office (ISPO), who In contrast to the morning session, the gave information on possible funding The morning session began with four first part of the afternoon session mechanisms for consumer related experts discussing what they concentrated more on the role of projects in the information society. considered to be the greatest benefits consumer organizations as information and concerns of the information providers using new technologies and Mr Roberts, Head of Unit at DG XXIV, society, how they saw these concerns the development of suitable appli• who heads the team working on being met and what role they cations. Mr Stevens from the Consumers' consumer policy in the information envisaged for the European Association (UK) described his society, concluded by describing the Commission. Ms Milne, representing organization's on-line service planned discussions as 'extremely fruitful', the British consultancy 'Ovum', which for November 1996. Mr Nicolai from pointing out that technology itself is was commissioned by DG XXIV to Consumentenbond (the Netherlands) neutral and that it is the way it is write a report on this subject, discussed and Ms de Coster from Test-Achats manipulated which makes it either

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 EURO ι JNFOS

good or bad, and informing the Contact: participants that a communication from Kenneth Roberts European Commission - DG XXIV DG XXIV on the subject will be rue de la Loi 200 developed in the autumn, resulting in RP3 4/8 an action plan for 1997, to ensure that Β -1049 Brussels Tel.: +32 2 295 56 57 the consumer is not forgotten in the Fax: +32 2 29918 57 information society. Email: [email protected]

Humanizing world trade

At its plenary meeting- of 24 April, the use of these labels should remain - the ESC itself should play a major Economic and Social Committee voluntary, so as not to interfere with role in disseminating information on (ESC) adopted its Opinion on the the free play of market forces; these labels and harmonizing the European 'Fair trade' marking award criteria. the criteria for awarding these labels movement'. should be based on internationally To obtain the text of the Opinion, recognized reference instruments, Fair trade marks are labels affixed to contact: goods produced by manufacturers in such as ILO conventions or developing countries who want to European certification standards in Economic and Social Committee 2 demonstrate to their clients in the the framework of EU 45011 , and rue Ravenstein 2 18 industrialized world that they apply not to reference instruments drafted Β -1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 2 5469011 strict ethical standards, notably by by individual countries, since this Fax: +32 2 513 48 93 paying their staff decent wages and would entail the risk of protec­ tionism; allowing them to work in suitable For further information, contact the conditions. a redress mechanism should be rapporteur: available, in the form of a mediator, The ESC, which has taken a close look if a decision is challenged (for Ann Davison at this new but booming practice, example, in the event of refusal to Economic and Social Committee recommends that: rue Ravenstein 2 grant a label for a given product); - the development of these labels Tel.: +32 2 5469011 Fax: +32.2 513 48 93 should be encouraged, so that the European Commission should consumers who are keen on create a separate budget heading to sustainable consumption can shop help fund the development of this in full knowledge of the facts; practice; Reference: CES 538/96. - these labels should be awarded by consumers should be amply External relations, commercial policy and certification bodies that are inde­ informed of the existence and development section. pendent of the producers and significance of these labels; CEN standards governing certification distributors; bodies.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 EURO JNFOS

Home insurance in Europe - from very good to mediocre

On 25 April BEUC and Test-Achats As to price, at the extremes the ratio is BEUC and Test-Achats' conclusions: presented the results of a survey on the five to one'. Oh average, policies are European citizens are far from equal in price and quality of home insurance cheapest in Portugal, Belgium, France, the domain of honre insurance and, policies offered by approximately the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, moreover, it is in practice very difficult 60 companies in 12 European coun­ and most expensive in Italy and Great for them to take out a policy in a tries: Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Britain. In between come Luxembourg, country other than the one in which Spain, France, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Greece and Denmark. their property is located. Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. Combining the two criteria 'price' and To remedy this situation BEUC and 'quality', BEUC and Test-Achats have Test-Achats demand the adoption of a The main conclusion: both price and ranked the countries in the following directive designed to harmonize quality vary greatly from one country categories: insurance contract law. to another. - very good quality, but high to very Contact: high prices: Great Britain and Test-Achats As regards quality - assessed on the Ireland; rue de Hollande 13 basis of 30 criteria ranging from Β -1060 Brussels - very good quality and low prices: coverage to the obligation to rebuild Tel.:+32 2 542 32 47 Spain and France; the property after its total destruction, (Jean-Paul Coteur, author of the study) 19 - good quality and low prices: +32 2 542 32 35 and including assessment of the value (Marie Tack - Press Office) insured and exemptions (notably as Germany and Belgium; regards the thorny issue of natural - mediocre quality and low to Valerie Thompson Press Officer disasters) - France, Spain and Great average prices: Luxembourg and the BEUC Britain were classed in the 'very good' Netherlands; avenue de Tervuren 36 category; Germany, Belgium and - mediocre quality and high to very Β-1040 Brussels Ireland in the 'good' category; high prices: Greece and Italy. Tel.: +32 2 74315 90 Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands Fax: +32 2 735 74 55 and Luxembourg in the 'average' It was decided not to classify Denmark category and Greece and Italy in the ' Price of average annual premium for a 'high' because of the insufficient number of level of risk: 858 ecus in Great Britain as 'mediocre' category. responses. opposed to 183 in Portugal!

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

SWEDEN · SWEDEN AND THE EU CONSUMER POLICY

On 13 March the Swedish govern• should be enforced in the same way the EU and the national govern• ment submitted a report to Parliament in all Member States so that ments should take necessary regarding Sweden's stand on consumer competition is not distorted; measures to prevent any 'hidden' policy within the European Union. - prevention of accidents: the data price increases and help consumers Here are the main ideas it contains. entered in EHLASS (the European understand 'new' prices; Home and Leisure Accident marketing and information: for the In his introduction, Leif Blomberg, Surveillance System) should be benefit of both consumers and Sweden's Minister for Consumer analyzed to provide guidance for corporations, basic rules applying to Affairs, notes that with his country's work on product safety, and RAPEX marketing activities should be the adhesion to the EU, cross-border trade (Rapid Information Exchange same in all Member States. In and competition have increased, Systems) should be implemented on addition, the scope of the directive resulting in lower prices and a wider a large scale so that each national on misleading advertising should range of goods and services as direct safety authority can have quick be extended to include the broader benefits for the Swedish consumer. access to information about notion of 'unfair marketing'. Certain problems, however, cannot be incidents in other countries; Finally, the 'television without ignored. These include the difficulty of frontiers' Directive should be assessing the real quality and costs of - child and youth safety-, specific safety regulations exist for toys, but amended to ban commercials the new products; the risk of low directed at children; quality, or even dangerous, goods not for child-care products, such as essential public utility services: being dumped on the Swedish market; dummies and baby-walkers. From 20 the risk of misleading advertising Sweden's point of view, all products in the case of deregulation or invading the Swedish media; the intended for children should be privatization, consumers' rights to difficulty of getting compensation submitted to the same set of strict information, quality and tort redress when faulty products have been rules; should be guaranteed at both national and EU level. Sweden purchased abroad, etc. At EU level, the - foodstuffs: the rules governing encourages the Commission to Swedish government also finds causes labelling need to be stricter in order investigate problems which may for concern. For instance, consumer to enable consumers, especially arise when deregulation or issues are sometimes overshadowed those suffering from allergies, to privatization occurs, and to propose by other priorities; the principles of make more informed choices. subsidiarity and proportionality adequate consumer protection sometimes become excuses for leaving ECONOMIC AND LEGAL measures; consumers without adequate protec• PROTECTION: guarantees and after-sales services: tion; in certain areas such as - financial services: consumers need Sweden is in favour of a high level agriculture, transportation or energy, clearer information as well as easier of consumer protection in these regulations and subsidies hinder access to justice, especially in the matters, but thinks that it is competition to the detriment of case of cross-border purchase of unnecessary to try to unify the consumers' interests, etc. such services; relevant national laws; - overindebtedness: Sweden advo• access to justice: Sweden gives its To help solve all these, Sweden aims to cates at least co-ordinating at EU full support to any EU measures take initiatives in the following areas: level the national rules intended to aimed at facilitating the resolution of prevent what is becoming a scourge disputes arising from cross-border PROTECTION OF HEALTH for an increasing number of purchases. It also favours the mutual AND SAFETY: individuals and families all over the recognition of the right of consumer - product safety, regulations already EU; organizations to pursue litigation on exist, but stricter control and better - European Monetary Union: during behalf of one country's consumers prevention are needed, and these the transition to the single currency, in another country. INFO-C 4 /AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

INFORMATION AND environmentally­friendly in all Member States. Lastly, with a EDUCATION: consumption ­ and production ­ view to broadening the scope of habits. consumer representation, Sweden ­ research: research on consumer proposes to set up a 'Consumer issues should be on the Commis­ Parliament' which would meet once a sion's agenda, preferably in its forth­ THE EU'S WORKING year to provide the Commission with coming 5th Research Programme; METHODS: ideas and experiences. Between these Firstly, Sweden believes that the ­ consumer information and educa­ meetings, the Commission would, of application at EU level of its policy of tion: consumers, especially the course, continue to consult with openness, in particular the right for the youngest ones, should be trained to national and international consumer public to have access to official be more critical. Sweden would like organizations and the Consumer documents (including reports and the EU to support and complement Committee. recommendations preceding final more actively the efforts made by decisions), would strengthen the Member States in this matter; ■ consumer's position. Secondly, The full report (in Swedish), or a ­ information technology: Sweden, decision processes, as well as legal summary in English can be obtained supports the adoption at EU level of texts, should be simplified. Thirdly, the from: measures guaranteeing all consu­ Commission should draft a Green mers access to user­friendly and Paper listing, analyzing and ranking in secure electronic services; order of importance all consumer Ministry for Consumer Affairs Civildepartementet ­ sustainable consumption: strategies policy issues. Fourthly, the EU should S ­10333 Stockholm see to it that consumer legislation is should be developed at EU Tel.: +46 8 405 10 00 properly transposed and implemented level to encourage citizens to adopt Fax: +468 7231193 21

• AGREEMENT ON SAFER TOYS

Since 1 January 1995 all toys sold in Although Konsumentverket has carried conclude similar agreements with Sweden must comply with European out numerous tests, it is impossible for other distributors. safety standards and, as proof of it to police the total 60 000 types of conformity, the manufacturers or toys available on the market. That is Contact: Stig Håkansson importers must affix the CE mark. As to why in May it concluded an agreement Konsumentverket traders, they must also be extremely with KF (the cooperative federation), Box 503 attentive, because persons selling toys' which guarantees the safety of all toys S­16215 Vällingby Tel.: +46 8 7598300 that are not in conformity may be fined sold by this distributor and it would +46 8 759 83 45 (Press Office) or sentenced to prison. like to see this initiative adopted across Fax: +468 38 22 15 the board. Under the terms of this But despite this threat of sanctions agreement, KF undertakes to check there have been numerous cases of negligence and fraud. Hence the that all the toys offered by its network Konsumentverket (Swedish Consu­ (the stores Obs, B&W and Stor & Liten) mer Agency) states that approximately are in conformity with the standards. half of the potentially dangerous toys it KF has to insist that its suppliers submit vetted in 1995 did not meet the all the documents related to their European safety standards, even those products, and must conduct its own that bore the illustrious label. For sample tests in its laboratory. example, more than half of the rattles See the article titled 'Sweden ­ stop the sale and children's bicycles examined fell Stig Håkansson, head of Konsument­ of dangerous rattles!' in the 'Countries' sec­ foul of the rules'. verket's safety programme, hopes to tion of the October 1985 issue of INFO­C.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

ROAD TRAFFIC AND CARBON DIOXIDE

The Konsumentverket asked over But fewer (52%) were eager to raise For further information and/or to order 13 000 car drivers how they thought purchase and road taxes on vehicles the report from which these figures are carbon dioxide pollution from cars that consumed more fuel than taken, contact: should be reduced. They had to average; considerably fewer (38%) choose between seven options (but favoured the introduction of protective several choices were possible). zones and municipal toll roads; an Konsumentverket even smaller number (35%) wanted to Box 503 Result: 81% of the respondents felt that limit vehicle speed; and frankly almost S -162 15 Vällingby Tel.: +46 8 759 83 00 pressure should be put on carmakers to nobody (2%!) was keen to increase manufacture vehicles that consume +46 8 759 83 45 (Press Office) petrol tax by two kroner per litre. Fax: +46 8 38 22 15 less fuel, even if this meant a price hike from 5 000 to 10 000 kroner.

SPAIN · CONDEMNATION OF A PHILIP MORRIS ADVERTISEMENT

On 5 June Philip Morris Europe arguing that the information it Contact: published an advertisement in the contained was biased in that Ciudadano Calle Atocha 26, 3'/izda media' which, by comparing the health consumers who eat a biscuit decide for E-28012 Madrid effects of certain everyday activities themselves to take on the 'risk' Tel.: +34136912 85 and passive inhalation of tobacco associated with this activity, while Fax: +34136908 27. smoke, gave the message that tobacco passive smokers are at risk whether smoke is less hazardous to health than they like it or not. eating a biscuit a day. Pádraig Flynn, European Commis• Immediately, the Ciudadano (citizen) sioner responsible for health policy, Foundation demanded that this has also castigated this campaign. In Spain, but also in the other European advertisement be withdrawn at once, countries.

A 'EUROPEAN SUPERMARKET' TO EDUCATE YOUNG CONSUMERS in an article titled 'El supermercado opportunity to compare offers, to Nieves Alvarez Martin argues that this europeo' (the European supermarket), scrutinize labels, to check that would be a simple, practical and low- published in the May 1996 issue of the standards are complied with, etc. - all cost way of helping young Europeans magazine info consumo BBS. Nieves this at European level. Moreover, become attentive consumers of the Alvarez Martin proposes promoting thanks to a 'minibank' which would products and services available in the European consumer policy directed at provide them with all the currencies of Single Market. young Europeans by creating a the Union as well as the ecu (or euro), 'European consumer school'. young people could familiarize themselves with the use of foreign Contact: At this school, permanent workshops currencies and a European currency. Nieves Alvarez Martin would be set up to analyze various Finally, the school would serve as a info consumo BBS MAG (Estudios de Consumo) multimedia documentation centre in consumer problems and compare the Urb. Arco Iris, 25 situation of consumers in different the domain of consumer education and E - 39100 Sta. Cruz de Bezana Member States of the Union and a a forum for exchanges of teachers from Tel.: +34 42 581011 'European supermarket' would all the Member States, who could work Fax/BBS: +34 42 58 10 67 Email: [email protected] sell products from the 15 Member together to prepare action program• Internet: www.lander.es/~infocon States, thus giving schoolchildren an mes, create teaching aids, etc. INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

ITALY · CODACONS ON THE NET

CODACONS (Coordinamento delle protection of consumer rights will try CODACONS can also be contacted at Associazioni dei Consumatori - to resolve. No subscription is required the following address: coordination of consumer associations) and the service is completely free of now has an Internet site at charge. The site also contains CODACONS www.fnc.net/codacons/home/htm. information on environmental issues, Viale G. Mazzini 73 I-00195 Rome All'consumers are welcome to write to which should be useful for all those Tel.: +39 6 373 517 38 this site about their, problems, which who are interested in sustainable Fax: +39 6 373 524 50 CODACONS' staff specialized in the consumption.

AUSTRIA · THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ON THE NET

Since 15 March the Bundesministe• to prevent them, and even a brief Bundesministerium für Gesundheit rium für Gesundheit und Konsu• description of the activities of the und Konsumentenschutz mentenschutz (BMGK - federal ministry various services of the BMGK. In of health and consumer protection) has addition, the site is interactive - so one Büro für Konsumentenfragen been accessible on Internet at can send electronic mail to Federal Radetzkystr. 2 A -1031 Vienna http://www.bmg.gv.at/bmg/. The Minister Christa Kammer or order Tel.: +431222 71172-4785 site contains the latest information on publications at the click of a mouse. Fax: +43 1 222 715 58 31 consumer rights and health issues such as AIDS, smoking, inoculations, etc., But the BMGK can, of course, still be 23 fact sheets on certain diseases and how contacted at:

UNITED KINGDOM • LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO COMPETE FOR TRADING STANDARDS AWARDS

'Effective trading standards work is such as the Ministry of Agriculture, panel. All local authorities can enter vital for the economic well-being of Fisheries & Food (MAFF) and the the competition. Application forms and consumers and business' John Department of Trade & Industry (DTI).' guidance will be issued early next Bridgeman, Director General of Fair year. Trading, declared, as he announced The scheme aims to raise the profile of the Excellence in Trading Standards trading standards work by recognizing Contact: award scheme on 25 June. And it is all authorities providing the best service Office of Fair Trading the more important to me, as trading and encouraging others to emulate Field House Breams Buildings standards officers are the eyes and ears them. The awards will be presented UK - London EC4A I PR of the Office of Fair Trading and annually from October 1997 onwards. Tel.: +44 171 242 2858 other central government departments, The jury will consist of an independent Fax: +44 1712698961

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

BID TO STEM CREEPING TIDE OF CLASSROOM COMMERCIALS

According to the National Consumer ­ have been tested on a range of Sponsorship in schools ­ Good practice Council (NCC), businesses are pupils in the target group; guidelines has been sent to all primary, targeting school pupils with an ever­ ­ clearly indicate the sponsor's middle and secondary schools in the increasing number of so­called identity, as well as the age group UK, Parent Teacher Associations educational materials which are biased, and the curriculum area for which (PTAs), as well as key charity and plastered with company logos or even they are intended; business sponsors. actively encourage children to eat ­ be balanced and objective (e.g. by chocolate bars or fast food. Contact: presenting alternative viewpoints, Emma Hellyer distinguishing between facts and Senior Press Officer Considering that such practices are opinions and, above all, acknowl­ National Consumer Council counter to the interests of pupils, edging the sponsor's market 20 Grosvenor Gardens parents and teachers ­ not to mention, UK ­ London SW1W ODH interests); in the long run, sponsors themselves, Tel.: +44 171 730 3469 the NCC has published a guide on ­ be devoid of advertising and Fax: +44 171 730 5851 educational sponsorship titled promotional messages; Sponsorship in schools ■ Good ­ not promise to offer the sponsor's practice guidelines. products as a reward for pupils' academic performances; 1 In 1995, the USA's Consumers' Union The guidelines, which have been ­ avoid all social, racial, cultural and published Captive Kids, which claimed thai prepared by a working party of 68% of the sponsored educational materials sexist stereotypes; it looked at were biased and/or contained consumer, education and industry ­ not encourage unsafe or unhealthy inaccurate information. It also gave details representatives, are designed to help activities; on 'Channel One'. Where schools sign up for all those responsible for children's it, this controversial 12­minute TV pro­ education to evaluate sponsored ­ not be distributed to schools or, gramme, including two minutes of adverti­ even worse, directly to pupils, sing, is made a compulsory part of the materials and to advise industry and school day in return for free equipment (a charity sponsors on how to produce without permission. satellite dish, TVs and VCRs). materials which convey an edu­ cational, rather than a marketing, Launching the guidelines, NCC Contact: message. Chairman David Hatch said the NCC Consumers' Union wanted to encourage a debate on the Truman Avenue USA ­ Yonkers, NY 10703 In order to measure up to the rising tide of US­style commercialism in Tel: +1914 378 2000 1 guidelines, sponsored materials must: classrooms in the UK . Fax: +1914 378 2900

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

HEALTH CLAIMS ON FOODS MAY BE BREAKING LAW

Food companies that make health- 'can help reduce excess blood Contact: boosting claims for their products may cholesterol' (Ribena Juice ¡k Fibre) are The Food Commission 3rd tloor. Viking House be breaking the labelling regulations, breaking the Medicines Act guidelines 5/11 Worship Street according to a report by the Food and the Food Labelling Regulations UK - London EC2A 2BH Commission1 published on 30 April. preventing foods from implying that Tel.: +44 171628 7774 they 'are capable of preventing, Fax: +4-1171628 0817 According to the Food Commission, treating or curing human disease'. claims such as 'helps to boost your body's immune system' (Nestlé Tim Lobstein, the Food Commission's yoghurt), 'healthier for the heart' co-director, is calling for a test case to (Heartwatch Omega white bread) and decide the matter. Functional Foods Examined, 1990.

CONSUMER BODIES' NAMES NOT TO BE (MIS)USED IN ADVERTISEMENTS

Three home improvement companies, (ITSA), at the opening of the last leading Advertisements Regulations Coldseal Ltd., the John Williams Group National Consumer Week, led readers 1988, that it is possible for an Ltd., and John Williams Windows, have to believe that the OFT and the ITSA advertisement to mislead by its overall assured the Office of Fair Trading endorsed the products and services of presentation or by the impression it (OFT) that they will never again the companies. gives, or By what it does not say, even publish advertisements which are if everything stated in it is literally true. likely to mislead readers over advice John Bridgeman, Director General of 25 given by consumer bodies. Fair Trading, recalled that his Office is not empowered in any way to endorse The ads, which referred to Home or recommend the products or services Contact: Improvements, a free guide for of a business. Office of Fair Trading consumers published by the OFT, and Field House Breams Buildings to advice given to consumers by Tony Note that it was confirmed by the High UK - London EC4A 1PR Northcott, chairman of the Institute of Court in a case brought by the Director Tel.: +44 171 242 2858 Trading Standards Administration General, under the Control of Mis• Fax: +44 171269 8961

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

FRANCE · THE TOUR DE FRANCE'OF SAFETY IN THE HOME

The Ministry of the Economy and exhibition, which occupied a surface of radio stations advertised the arrival of Finance (responsible for consumer 85 m2 inside the truck, consisted of a the roadshow in their city and made policy) has just reported on its reproduction house with garden, special broadcasts from the integrated campaign to prevent accidents in the identifying the main hazards and studio; the radio station France-Info home, which kill 18 000 persons in providing tips on how to prevent them. produced ten news slots on the main France each year, mainly children and Recorded commentaries, three- types of home accidents which were elderly people. dimensional images and information broadcast throughout the inaugural notes positioned at an appropriate day of the exhibition in each city Between 27 February and 11 June an height were provided to help children visited; numerous articles were exhibition was conveyed by truck better visualize the dangers. Finally, two published in the national and regional to the heart of ten large cities brochures with ample graphics reca• press; the campaign received the (Paris, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, pitulating all the prevention tips were Grand Prix for Press Relations 1996 Perpignan, Marseille, Lyon, Dijon, distributed, one intended for parents and - last but not least - 80% of the Strasbourg and Lille). The truck, and the other for the elderly, while respondents to a questionnaire designed by architect Jean Nouvel, children were given little games to help available at the exit of the truck regularly parked in the most them memorize what they had seen. declared that they intended to modify frequented downtown area, where its some aspect of their behaviour on the spectacular appearance made it the The organizers are very satisfied with basis of what they had learnt. focus of attention (stainless steel the results of this 'Tour de France': Contact- bodywork, illuminated information more than 35 000 persons, including 26 Diane d'Oléon panel outside, gangway-type access schoolchildren from almost 200 Ministère de l'Economie et des Finances stairs, etc.). Moreover it was equipped kindergartens and primary schools, Direction de la communication with an integrated recording studio visited the roadshow; more than 139 rue de Bercy F - 75572 Paris Cedex 12 from which local radio stations could 130 000 brochures and 100 000 games Tel.: +33 1 40 04 35 48 broadcast special programmes. The were distributed; more than 60 local Fax +33 '1 43 45 73 20

• BEWARE OF UNRELIABLE ALCOHOL TEST KITS!

In France, as in other countries, Given the dire consequences for road Contact: alcohol test kits - small devices for safety that may result from using a Christian de Thuin / Sylvain Deshayes Institut national de la consommation measuring blood alcohol using a defective kit, INC urges that: 80 aie Lecourbe chemical or electronic procedure - are - the standards these kits must F-75732 Paris Cedex 15 proliferating on the shelves of comply with, as well as their condi• Tel.: +33 1 45 66 20 20 pharmacies and superstores. The tions of approval, be tightened up; Fax: +33145 67 05 93 Institut national de la consom• - under no circumstances may a kit mation (INC - national consumer be placed on the market without institute) decided to check their prior approval; reliability with the aid of laboratory - regular checks be conducted on kits tests on voluntary human guinea pigs. present on the market; Verdict: of the 11 kits tested (four - the Commission de la sécurité des chemical and seven electronic kits), no consommateurs (France's consumer less than six were judged 'unsatis• safety commission) order the with•

factory' or 'very unsatisfactory' (one drawal of the defective models from For details on the results, consult the June chemical and five electronic kits)'! the market. issue of 60 millions de consommateurs.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

AGREEMENT ON THE 'MULTIPROPERTY MANAGER LABEL'

In its October 1995 issue', INFO-C terms negotiated between the Contact reported on the appeal launched by representatives of the managers and Association des Responsables de Copropriétés 29 rue Joseph Python the Association des Responsables those of users, thus declaring F - 75020 Paris de Copropriétés (ARC - co-owners' themselves candidates for the label; Tel.: +33 HO 30 12 82 association) and other consumer Fax: +33140 3012 63 - an approved monitoring body shall associations urging the creation of a verify that the candidates for the 'multiproperty manager label' (as in label fully meet the requirements 1994 French law made it possible to and that the holders of the label ' Article entitled 'Making multi-properties 'label' services). comply faithfully with the work better' in the 'Countries - France' sec• tion. provisions'; Last May an agreement was signed J Association des Responsables de between five organizations representing - failure to respect these provisions Copropriétés (ARC), Union Nationale des co-owners2 and two organizations will immediately be sanctioned by Associations de Responsables de withdrawal of the label. Copropriétés (UNARC), Association des representing professional multiproperty Nouveaux Consommateurs (ANC), Union managers', as well as a number of Moreover the signatories to the Féminine Civique et Sociale (UFCS) and individual multiproperty managers, agreement have decided to establish a Association des Familes Catholiques (AFC). finally giving birth to this label. parity committee to resolve disputes, 1 FNAIM and UNIT. so that the parties concerned can steer ' The certifying body chosen is Qualité This agreement stipulates that: clear of the courts, but without evading France. It should be noted that its job is not their responsibilities. just to carry out controls on its own initiative, - all professionals who wish to do so but also to handle all complaints from co- may declare their adherence to the owners.

TRAINING COURSES IN CONSUMER AFFAIRS

The Centre Régional de la Consom• consumer debt, cross-border shopping, Contact: mation, which is an approved training and home ownership, to mention but a Centre Régional de la Consommation Service formation centre, organizes training courses few. These courses are not 47 bis rue Barthélémy Delespaul intended for consumer information programmed in advance but are F - 59000 Lille and education relays. The themes provided on demand. Hence, training Tel.: +33 20 60 69 05 addressed cover consumers' major can be adapted to the needs of specific Fax: +33 20 60 69 97 Minitel: 3615 CRC everyday concerns - product labelling, groups. foodstuffs regulations, payment cards,

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

FRANCE AND BELGIUM · THE FIRST EUROS GO JINGLE JANGLE

The first legal­tender coins This initiative of the Monnaie de Paris International Numismatic Management denominated in euros' have been is part of the run­up to single currency, chaussée de la Hulpe 181, box 5 Β­1170 Brussels minted in a limited quantity by the which will of course intensify in the Tel.: +32 2 663 14 80 Monnaie de Paris, the French coin­ months to come. Fax: +32 2 663 14 94 manufacturing authority. The coins have been issued in gold, silver and Contact: platinum and are primarily intended Monnaie de Paris 11 quai de Conti for numismatists, who will be able to F ­ 75006 Paris buy them in France and in Belgium. Tel.: +33 1 40 46 56 25 They belong to the 'Monuments of Fax: +33 1 40 46 57 03 Europe' series and show the Grand' Their face value is indicated both in French Place in Brussels. francs and in euros.

BELGIUM · BANKS AND HOW THEY PERFORM

Under the title 'Vous et votre banque' was even more pronounced among set out in their standard terms. (you and your bank), Test­Achats' those who chose their bank after magazine Budget & Droits published shopping around. Once again Test­ However the survey highlighted a a dossier on the banks' strengths and Achats encourages consumers to number of shortcomings, such as the weaknesses in its June/July 1996 issue. compare before deciding. fact that in several banks it was possible to cash crossed cheques, 2. COMPARISON OF THE There are three strands in this study. although the money should normally COST OF A CURRENT be paid into an account. 1. CONSUMER ACCOUNT IN 40 BANKS SATISFACTION SURVEY The annual cost of a current account The article in Budget & Droits includes Over 3 500 members of Test­Achats may amount to several thousand several tables classifying the banks in replied to a questionnaire concerning Belgian francs. While Test­Achats does accordance with the criteria used in the their bank. Their replies show that: not challenge the invoicing of certain survey. services as such, it roundly condemns ­ consumers are loyal to their banks, Contact: most of which are large institutions. the fact that banks continue to apply Budget & Droits 1 For example, clients interested in a rates of between 15 and 20% annually Test­Achats new product (such as a savings for automatic credit and that they have aie de Hollande 13 Β ­1060 Brussels pension or mortgage loan) rarely still not abolished the system of value dates2. As regards the latter practice, Tel. : +32 2 542 32 47 (Jean­Paul Coteur) compare the offers made by +32 2 542 32 56 different establishments; Test­Achats supports the bill designed (Pierre Van Eeckhäute) to outlaw it currently before ­ small institutions attract only a +32 2 542 35 35 Parliament. (Marie Tack ­ Press Office) minority of consumers ­ those who Fax: +32 2 542 3211 have set out to do 'financial 3. STUDY OF THE PRACTICAL shopping around' ­ and they choose FUNCTIONING OF THREE them because of the higher rates CURRENT ACCOUNTS 1 While the interest rate on mortgages is now they offer on savings products, the DURING A YEAR clown to 8­9% and the yield of a well­performing savings account barely 4.5%. lower rates on loans, and the lower Test­Achats is happy to report that 2 administration costs charged for ­ with one or two exceptions (which This is the notorious 'D­l/D+1' system, which allows the banks to credit a payment managing the accounts; were in the consumer's favour on the working day following the operation, ­ on the whole, the respondents were anyway) ­ the charges levied by the while withdrawals are debited on the day satisfied with their banks, but this banks corresponded exactly to those before the operation. INFO-Ç 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

INFORM VIEWERS - DON'T ENSLAVE THEM!

Created on 6 January 1994, the d'Or went to the regular planning of dating of broadcasts so that viewers Association des Téléspectateurs prime time reporting broadcasts on can know immediately whether they Actifs (ATA ­ association of active RTBF and the use by the Cinquième are watching a live, pre­recorded, or television viewers) aims at converting (a French educational channel) of off­line programme. The ATA couch potatoes into informed and PDC, a more advanced system than considers that there are genuine demanding consumers of television ShowView, which triggers the VCR's democratic arguments for such a programmes'. record function only when the measure, given the manipulations selected programme actually begins. (cuts, insertions, etc.) which a The Association's regular activities At the other extreme, the jury prerecorded broadcast may be comprise: awarded the 'lemon of the year' to subjected to in the editing room. • the publication of Comment télez­ the welter of advertising and vous?, a monthly bulletin for sponsoring during children's hours Finally, it persuaded the Ethics keeping in touch with its members and the proliferation of spots for Committee on telecommunication and putting across its views to the Audiotel services. information services to condemn audiovisual media; phone­in game centres who were Nor does the ATA hesitate to beleaguer infringing the legislation in force, • the production and compering of the TV channels, the regulatory notably as regards informing the public 'Télés sur écoutes', a weekly one­ authorities and even the (national or of the cost of connection time. hour radio broadcast during which a European) legislators on the issues it guest speaker comments on recent considers most important. To mention For a full and detailed list of the 1996 events in the television world; but a few examples, it sent a mailshot ATA d'Or prizewinners, to subscribe to • planning and compering of 'Midis to candidates for the recent Belgian Comment télez­vous?, to receive the list de l'audiovisuel', a monthly cycle legislative elections (1995), asking of radio stations that broadcast 'Télés of debates on basic issues (for them whether they were willing to sur écoutes' with the full programme example, 'How does television back a bill stipulating real sanctions for schedule, or to obtain additional approach history?'); channels found guilty of 'bad information on all ATA's measures and 2 • the organization of 'Forum TV' practice' ; on 1 March it wrote to Jean­ position statements, contact: evenings: people invite a group of Marie Cavada, France 3's long­standing Benoît Goossens friends home and two ATA anchorman and coordinator of the 'Sidaction' evening (an anti­AIDS President members show a video demon­ Association des Téléspectateurs Actifs strating both recent blunders and campaign) ­ broadcast by all the rue Américaine 106 achievements of the television French channels on 6 June ­ urging Β­1050 Brussels Tel./Fax: +32 2 5391979 channels; that anecdotal and spectacular elements should not overshadow the • the keeping of a video stand with basic issues and that the most repeat showings of television gaffes; informative sections be broadcast early • the organization each June of the on in the evening and not late at night; 'ATA d'Or', a ceremony at which an finally it launched an appeal for the Broadcast on channels that can be captured independent jury singles out the adoption, at European level, of rules in francophone Belgium. best and worst TV practices during governing the 'labelling' of televised Since all the responses were positive, the the past season. This year the ATA programmes, rendering mandatory the ATA now awaits the adoption of such a law.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

AN ASSOCIATION TO EDUCATE YOUNG CONSUMERS

Economic agents are increasingly 28 June at the premises of the Ligue (European coordination bureau of targeting young people, be it in the dès Familles in Brussels. Its short- and international youth organizations). The domain of foodstuffs, music, clothing medium-term goals are as follows: members of its board of directors are: or even banking services. And even if a completion of a qualitative survey oh Pierre Garin, dietician, Annick Moreau, young person is not a buyer he is often consumption among young people graduate in hospital management, a 'prescriber'. Young people advise, aged 11 to 18, the publication of Marthe-Marie Rochet, teacher recommend or... demand the purchase teaching material on the problem of (president), Catherine Versheure, of all kinds of consumer goods for 'vital needs', the launching, at the start philosopher (secretary) and Xavia their families and peers. It is in order to of the 1997 school year, of clubs to Wesel, graduate in work sciences and help young consumers cope with support disadvantaged young people, accountant (treasurer). advertising campaigns directly or and the creation of 'consumer schools' indirectly targeted at them that the to train facilitators for these youth RéAJC's long-term objective is to association RéAJC (Réseau-Association clubs. establish a 'European coordination des Jeunes Consommateurs - network centre for young consumers'. association of young consumers) has The RéAJC will be located at Carrefour, been created. rue du Marteau 19, 1000 Brussels. Contact: Naturally this is not a branch of the Marthe-Marie Rochet RéAJC This pluralist, independent and well-known French chain of stores, avenue Cdts Borlee 28 Europe-oriented youth organization but a meeting-place for numerous B-1370Jodoigne held its first general assembly on youth associations, notably the ECB Tel.: +32 10 81 57 46

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE · INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM IN BUCHAREST

From 29 April to 6 May 1996 Bucharest the Consumer Law Centre designed to standardization and quality hosted an international symposium on familiarize them with Community certification; consumer policy in the European consumer law with a view to - labelling of foodstuffs and price Union. The seminar was organized by harmonizing their national legislation. indication; the Catholic University of Louvain's - representation of consumer interests Consumer Law Centre and the Oficiul Subjects addressed in the presentations and consumer involvement in the pentru Protectia Consumatorilor - included: European Union's decision-making Romania (Romanian consumer procedure. protection office) and was financed - the creation of a Community under the PHARE programme. legislative framework for consumer, A 'Strategy for integrating Romania in protection; the European Union', based on the The 140 guests, representing govern• - producers' liability for defective European Union's consumer protection ment institutions, universities, products; directives and regulations, has been prepared in Romania. Harmonization parliaments, trade unions, economic - general product safety; operators, consumer associations and of Romanian legislation with the law of - public instruments to control the non-governmental organizations, the European Union is a major aspect enforcement of consumer safety hailed from Romania, Slovenia, of this strategy. To this end Romania legislation; Slovakia and the Czech Republic. intends to introduce legislation in the - unfair terms in consumer contracts; following areas in the near future: They attended presentations given by - misleading advertising, commercial - producer liability for defective international experts and professors at practices and selling methods; products;

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 COUNTRIES

- labelling of foodstuffs; Contact: - marking of textile products; Gheorghe Tiplica Secretary of State - misleading advertising. Head of the Consumer Protection Office bd Nicolae Balcescu 21 R - 70122 Bucharest Tel.: +40 1615 6692 Fax: +401312 3596

CONSUMERS MISLED BY 'GREEN CLAIMS'

A Slovenian shopper picks up an Seven different products sold in shops produced in Russia was labelled aerosol with the words 'environ• in major cities were examined: paper 'pure ecological product' and an mentally friendly' splashed across in tissues, toilet paper, washing powder, Italian-manufactured product English, while a Polish consumer buys washing-up liquid, toilet-cleaning claimed to be 'untoxic bleached'. a washing-up liquid with the German liquid, car and motorcycle engine oils environmental mark 'Der Grüne Punkt' and aerosol sprays. The authors conclude that there is a prominently displayed, and Hun• need for more rigorous definition and garians clean their toilets with a toilet The following problems were identified: tighter control of 'green claims' in cleaner produced in Poland, which - 'green claims' often appeared in Central and Eastern Europe, something claims to contain only 'natural acid English with no translations; that can be achieved using the contents' (sic!)... International Standards Organization - the information was applicable only (ISO)'s draft guidelines on manu• in the country where the product These examples are taken from facturers' own labels2, as well as for 37 was manufactured. For instance a report titled Environmental supplying real environmental some products proclaimed that they Labelling in Central and Eastern information to consumers, for instance were 'recyclable', even though no Europe, issued by Consumers via the rapidly growing independent such facility was available in the International, which summarizes the consumer and environmental country where they were sold. This results of a survey funded by the organizations. was particularly tnie of the German United Nations Environment Pro• 'Der Grüne Punkt', which appears gramme and carried out by six Contact: on virtually all German products as consumer organizations in Poland, Alina Tugend / Andy Roberts part of a scheme to encourage the Consumers International Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia and recycling of packaging waste: 24 Highbury Crescent Russia'. UK-London N5 II« since packaging is supposed to be Tel.: +44171226 6663 recovered by the - German - According to the survey, Central and Fax: +44 171 354 0607 operators of the scheme, this Email: [email protected] Eastern European consumers are symbol has no relevance in Central facing new challenges as Western and Eastern'European markets! products flood into their marketplace. Indeed, 'green labelling' is increasingly - many products - particularly being used to promote goods around washing-up liquids and toilet The National Association for Consumer cleaners - boasted that they were Protection in Hungary, Latvia's Club for the the world, and consumers everywhere Protection of Consumers' Interests, the are struggling to sort through the ecologically 'good' because they Consumers' Federation of Poland, The CIS' promises and hype. But in the case of were free of certain chemicals, such Inter-Republican Confederation of Consumers' Societies (Konfop), the the labelling of products sold in as phosphates, but those products would not typically contain those Association of Slovak Consumers and the- Central and Eastern Europe, the survey Slovene Consumers' Association. chemicals in the first place! found that 'much of the available Revised draft ISO/TC 207/SC3/WG2 - N87. information is obscure, inaccessible, - many of the claims were completely Although still only a discussion document, it partisan or contested'. meaningless - for instance an item provides a useful framework for analysis.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 CASE LAW

— Finland — Illegal television commercials for credit accounts

A Finnish law transposing a European on the real annual interest rate is of [The Consumer Ombudsman vs Directive' makes it compulsory for paramount importance, because the Handelsbanken Finans Ab, case No advertisements for credit accounts to decision to use a credit account may 1996:008,17.4.96] specify the real annual interest rate (in have a considerable and lasting impact Finnish: 'todellinen vuosikorko'). on their finances, and also because this Contact: The Consumer Ombudsman is the only way they can easily Aktiiviraha Oy, which merged with PO Box 306 compare different credit offers as well Handelsbanken Finans Ab in 1995, was SF - 00531 Helsinki as weigh up the alternative of paying Tel.: +358 0772 6l using two television commercials for cash vs taking a credit. Fax: +358 0753 0357 consumer credit accounts, which fell foul of this rule. The Market Court decided to issue an In taking the company to Court, the injunction on Handelsbanken Finans

Consumer Ombudsman stressed the Ab. The injunction was enforced with a Directive 87/102 as amended by Directive fact that giving consumers information conditional fine of FMK 200 000. 90/88.

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 TJ PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

By enshrining the principle of strict The proceedings ­ a work of over 300 part addresses the Directive's impact liability for defective products, Directive pages ­ have recently been published. on product liability insurance and on 85/374/EEC on product liability Titled La Directive 85/374/CEE European industry, and on the exact triggered far­reaching changes in civil relative à la responsabilité du fait degree of harmonization which it has liability law in the Member States. des produits: dix ans après / occasioned, notably as regards the Directive 85/374/EEC on product delicate problem of determining the How do things stand ten years after its liability: ten years after, this volume applicable law and the competent adoption? Has it often been invoked ­ of which certain chapters are in court. Finally, Monique Goyens before the courts? Has it led to an English and others in French ­ was summarizes the conclusions that can be 'American­style' litigation explosion? Has edited by Monique Goyens, Head of drawn from the various contributions it led to difficulties in connection with the 'European Affairs' project at the and comments, highlighting the gaps insurance? Has it occasioned increases in Consumer Law Centre. that exist both in the Directive itself and manufacturers' premiums? Has it in its modalities of application, and improved their product safety policy? The first part recalls the Directive's setting out proposals designed to Has it interfered with the free movement main provisions and objectives. The remedy these shortcomings. of goods? Are consumers really better second part studies its effects on the protected thanks to the Directive? law of the three countries where it has To order this book, contact: triggered the most significant doctrinal It was to answer these questions, along and case law developments: the United Isabelle Servais Responsable des publications with many others, that the Consumer Kingdom, Italy and the Federal Centre de droit de la consommation Law Centre at the Catholic University Republic of Germany. The third part Université catholique de Louvain of Louvain organized an international briefly describes its impact on place Montesquieu 2 33 conference on 23 and 24 March 1995 the Belgian, Spanish, French, Greek, Β ­1348 Louvain­la­Neuve Tel.: +32 10 47 85 31 on the evaluation of the Directive's Irish, Luxembourg, Dutch and Fax: +32 10 47 85 32 application in practice. Portuguese legal orders. The fourth Email: [email protected]

Meat ­ once again this word is on every zentrale Baden­Württemberg (the Ratgebertip ­ Fleisch can be ordered tongue, especially when talking about Baden­Württemberg consumer union) from:

BSE. Since every animal has its history, has published Ratgebertip ­ Fleisch Verbraucherzentrale Baden­Württemberg and since both the way .an animal is (some tips about meat), a useful guide Paulinenstr. 47 D ­ 70178 Stuttgart raised, fed and transported influence for all consumers who care about what Tel.: +49 71166910 the quality of its meat, the Verbraucher­ they put on their plate. Fax: +49 7 11669150

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Consumers' anxieties about meat there is a two­fold problem: firstly, mecum for meat) which scrutinizes the quality has led to a drop in sales. To these quality criteria have been problems of criteria­and quality labels. reverse this trend and to rebuild proliferating in a somewhat un­ confidence, producers and distributors controlled manner and, secondly, not This publication can be ordered from: have taken to affixing labels in an all labels can be unreservedly endeavour to promote meat that recommended. satisfies certain quality criteria. But Verbraucher Initiative Breitest!'. 51 according to the Bundesverband To help consumers find their way, the D­53111 Bonn Verbraucher Initiative (Germany's organization has published a 104­page Tel.: +49 2 28 726 3313 federal consumer initiative union), document titled Fleischfibel (vade­ Fax: +49 2 28 726 33 99

What are pub opening hours in Great European consumer's travel guide) any further questions, the agency Britain? What are the speed limits on recently published by the Agence emphasizes that it is more than willing Italian roads? Is service included in transfrontalière de la consom­ to answer them. French cafes and restaurants? What are mation (cross­border consumer the differences between Spanish information agency) in Mons Contact: sockets and Belgian ones? What are (Belgium), which contains invaluable Christine Demolin shop opening hours in Germany? Etc. information on both law and custom in Responsable ATC etc. If you want to know the answer to the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Agence transfrontalière de la consommation Grand­Place 22 all these questions, all you have to do Spain and Germany, i.e. the five 34 Β ­ 7000 Mons · is read the Guide de voyages du countries Belgian tourists visit most Tel.: +32 65 84 07 38 consommateur européen (the frequently. And if readers have Fax: +32 65 31 62 30

It has become a tradition: COLOC (the cheapest petrol stations near motorway The map can be ordered from: consumer organizations' liaison exits in France). Remember that by committee of Calvados) has again leaving the motorway for a few COLOC 12 rue Neuve Saint­Jean published an updated version of its minutes you can save FF 25 on a full F ­14000 Caen Carte de l'essence moins chère tank ­ and both driver and passengers Tel.: +33 31 50 38 50 aux sorties des autoroutes (map of will have a chance to relax! Fax: +33 31 50 01 06

As the number of cross­border trans­ As a comprehensive first point of the requirements for successful actions, and therefore possible reference on the law and practice interstate litigation. conflicts, increases, lawyers need to governing recognition and enfor­ become familiar with the enforcement cement of mainly civil and commercial It comprises 24 chapters, each devoted procedures in each of the European judgments in all the Western European to a different country or 'jurisdiction' countries, in order to be able to advise jurisdictions, Peter Kaye's Methods (from Austria to England and Wales, their clients on how to seek execution of Execution of Orders and .Northern Ireland, Scotland, Jersey, of judgments and where to sue to settle fudgments in Europe' provides the Isle of Man, Malta, Norway, a case expeditiously. accurate and detailed information on France, Sweden, etc.), written by an

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

acknowledged expert and covering the step-by-step professional guidance. In Methods of Execution of Orders and following themes: other words, it will make lawyers Judgments in Europe is available from - enforcement of domestic judgments; aware of particular types of judgment bookstores. The publisher can be - enforcement of foreign judgments; execution which can be resorted to in contacted at the following address: each jurisdiction, but is no substitute - objections and stays of execution; for subsequent local legal advice. John Wiley & Sons Ltd - interim orders and interlocutory Nevertheless, for those readers keen to BafFins Lane relief; UK-Chichester PO 19 1UD have access to further information, it Tel.: +44124 377.0216 - final execution; contains reference to more specialist Fax: +44124 377 0432 - ancillary matters such as costs and works. Internet: http://www.wiley.co.uk Email: [email protected] legal aid. In addition, the authors have included Peter Kaye teaches European Law and a number of suggestions for reform or Legal Process at the University of improvement. Wales, Swansea, UK. He is also a Barrister of Gray's Inn and a guest

This collaborative work professes to professor for Common Law at the ISBN 0-471-94029-1, 376pp, £50.00, hard• provide general knowledge rather than University of Trier, Germany. back.

The Euroguichet-Consommateur du period during which no deposit may Luxembourg (Luxembourg's cross- be required'. But beware: pending the transposition of the border consumer information agency) European Timeshares Directive (94/47/EC, has published French and German The other, titled Vente à distance et OJ No L 280/83 of 29 October 199M). the deadline for which is 30 April 1997, consu• versions of two brochures concerning excursions à but de vente (distance selling and sales promotion mer lights in this area differ considerably two highly topical consumer issues. from one country to another. Consequently, excursions), also begins by warning one should never hesitate to consult a consumers of the hazards associated One, titled Time-sharing, reveals the consumer organization, notably a cross-bor• with these two commercial practices der information centre ('Euroguichet') to main pitfalls facing purchasers and then presents the main features of obtain specific information. of timeshare contracts (unforeseen the protective legislation2, notably as Pending the adoption of a European administration and maintenance fees, regards the length of the cooling-off Directive in this domain, only national law high costs for participating in pooling applies. The brochure discusses the legis• period. arrangements which theoretically allow lation in force in Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany and France. owners to spend holidays in different These brochures can be had from: timeshares, the outright risk of losing one's 'property' if the owner of the Euroguichet-Consommateur residence should go bankrupt, etc.), Union luxembourgeoise des Consommateurs 55 rue des Bruyères and then clearly describes the L-1274Howald remedies at the consumer's disposal, Tel.: +352 49 60 221 such as the right to a cooling-off Fax: +352 49 49 57

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Using an estate agent, mortgages, and published in April 1995 by the OFT, statement. It advises that the best thing debt are the subjects of three new which called for more information for to do when debt problems occur is to booklets published by the Office of consumers on the various types of contact creditors immediately - in• Fair Trading (OFT). mortgages. It describes the differences sisting that the worst option would be between: to borrow to get out of debt, gives Using an estate agent to buy or sell - repayment mortgages; information on extortionate credit and your home' gives advice both for harassment by creditors, and lists - endowment mortgages - with buyers and sellers of property. It sources of advice. examines: profits, unit-linked and unitized with profits; - the contract; Contact: - PEP mortgages. Office of Fair Trading - sole agency/sole selling rights; It advises shopping around for a Field House - receiving/making offers; Breams Buildings mortgage and examines what- factors UK - London EC4A1PR - gazumping/repossessed properties; should be taken into account in Tel.: +44171242 2858. - surveys and valuations and legal choosing a particular type of mortgage. Fax: +44 171 269 8961 advice;

- personal interest of estate agents. Debt - What to do when bills pile 1 This edition covers England, Wales and up sets out a five point action plan for Northern Ireland, but not Scotland. A version Your mortgage - A guide to calculating debts, expenditure and covering Scotland will be published soon. repayment methods follows a report2 income and drawing up a financial 2 Mortgage Repayment Methods.

The Proceedings of the Fourth of injuries, safety labelling and positive impact on the development of International Conference on Product warnings, designing for safety, and the product safety criteria in laws and Safety Research, which was organized effectiveness of safety measures. A standards and will also be beneficial to by ECOSA and the Australian selection of the papers presented at the the relevance and efficiency of future Federal Bureau of Consumer conference will be published in future research work. Affairs in Canberra on 15-16 February issues of the International Journal for 1996, are now available. Consumer Safety. The Proceedings, which contain the full texts of the 22 research papers The conference dealt with research The conference was attended by presented, can be ordered from: into a wide range of subjects related to 50 delegates with various back• the safety of consumer products, e.g. grounds, including research, do-it-yourself equipment, sell- standardization, enforcement, and ECOSA assembly products, child safety information and education. It PO Box 75169 products, second-hand goods and contributed significantly to the NL -1070 AD Amsterdam Tel.: +31 20 511 45 11 playground equipment. Other research exchange of information about applied Fax: +31 20 511 45 10 topics related to priority setting, costs research results, which will have a Email: [email protected]

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

In our previous issue we mentioned FEDSA has now published the Contact: the inauguration by FEDSA (Feder­ Proceedings of this forum. The Marie­Andrée Vander Eist Director ation of European Directive Selling publication includes the text of the FEDSA Associations) of its new European codes, the contributions by the avenue de Tervuren 1 + codes of conduct for direct selling participants (panel members and Β ­1040 Brussels at a forum held in Brussels on audience), the biographies of the panel Tel.: +32 2 7361014 Fax: +32 2 736 34 97 24 November 1995'. members and the list of FEDSA member associations. ' Article entitled 'New codes of conduct for direct selling' in the 'Euro­Infos' section.

Edizioni Scientifiche Italiane have 7. The consequences of rescission in Italian legal system, they have published a work of almost 400 pages negotiations away from business succeeded in providing cogent titled Le vendite aggressive ­ premises, by Giuseppe Bellantuono; analyses based on emerging trends in Vendite stipulate fuori dei locali 8. Distance selling via instantaneous case law in Italy and other European commerciali e vendite stipulate a means of communication, by countries as well as in the Community distanza nel diritto italiano ed Nicola Scannicchio; as a whole. europeo (aggressive sales ­ sales negotiated away from business and the following annexes: In their examination of the various premises and distance selling in Italian A. Legislative instruments and aspects of the problems raised by the and European law), partly written and proposals concerning canvassing Italian legislation, they have focused edited by Antonio Jannarelli'. and distance selling; mainly on the search for concrete B. Italian and Community case law. solutions to various situations which The work contains the following may be detrimental to consumers, in chapters: The volume analyzes the rules order to bridge the 'inevitable' 1. Protection of consumers in nego­ governing contracts negotiated away loopholes left by the legislator. tiations away from business from business premises pursuant to premises: general introduction, by Decree­Law No 50 of 1992 and those Moreover, they have been keen to Antonio Jannarelli; governing distance selling using emphasize the more general impact of 2. The consumer and the commercial means of telecommunication (home the legislation in question on the 2 operator, by Annamaria Princigalli; shopping, telemarketing, etc.) ; it national legal orders. This is an aspect places 'aggressive' sales in the context to which the participants in the 3. Objective, scope and exemptions of general rules governing the Advanced Course on European Private pursuant to Decree­Law No 50 of conclusion of contracts and examines Law at the University of Bari's Law 15 January 1992, by Onofrio Troiano; the­m in the light of trends in Faculty are giving the closest attention. 4. Consumer protection, by Annamaria Community law and the creation of the Princigalli; Single Market; finally it highlights the The book is on sale in bookstores, 5. Information on the right of rescission impact of these rules on commercial but Edizione Scientifiche Italiane and consumer protection, by trends in the integrated distributive can also be contacted on the Net at Michele Lobuono; trades. www.dial.it/esi or by Email at: 6. Conditions and modalities for exer­ [email protected]. The address of' the cising the right of rescission, by Since the authors are well placed to University of Bari is: Alfredo Calderale and Domenico scrutinize the entry into force of the Viti; Directive and its transposai into the

INFO-C 4 /AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Università di Bari The book is distinguished by the specific Facoltà di Giurisprudenza attention it devotes to distance selling, in Piazza C. Battisti Law professor, founder and organizer of the support of the proposal for a Community l-70121 Bari Advanced Course in European Private Law at Directive in this area. Tel.: +39805 717134 the Law Faculty of the University of Bari, and Fax: +39 805 717 272 director of the Faculty's legal seminar.

The Independent Committee for imposed fines in excess of £50 000 work or regulatory body the Supervision of Standards of and barred 20 services from specifically dealing with new Telephone Information Services operating; media, such as the Internet, (ICSTLS - the UK's phone services computer-bulletin boards, multi• watchdog) recently published: • Premium Rate Telephone media services and video-on- Competitions in the UK, a demand. Several countries, • Its Activity Report 1995, which consultation document'' which however, have stated that they are highlights the challenges it faces. looks at the fairness, legality, considering introducing such While the number of complaints profitability and skill level of these regulations. received' in 1995 fell by 31 per cent services; compared to 1994 and remained These three documents, as well as small in relation to the overall use • Regulation and Consumer further information, can be obtained of premium rate services, some Concerns in Europe's Audiotex from: practices continued to generate Markets, a survey which shows dissatisfaction, tarnishing the how premium rate telephone ICSTIS industry's reputation. Misleading services are regulated in the 3rd floor, Alton House claims about services and lack of European countries, the United 177 High Holborn UK - London WC1V 7AA adequate pricing information once States, Hong Kong and Australia. Tel.: +44171240 5511 again caused most public concern. It highlights the key concerns Fax: +44171379 4611 As for the service types generating expressed, and the main com• the most complaints, competition, plaints made by consumers in each dating and racing tipster lines country, and presents the varying Anybody can make a complaint to the topped the list. But in addition to features available to them to protect ISCTIS, either by dialling freephone these classic, straightforward cases, themselves against the (excessive) 0800 500212, or by writing to: the ICSTLS has had to face an use of premium rate services, ICSTIS Freepost increasing number of complex, including call barring, international WC5468 quasi futuristic ones, involving new call barring, itemized bills, early UK - London WC1V 7BR

types of services, such as credit warning when bills exceed a This new type of service was introduced in card services, international adult certain level, and maximum length the wake of the ban on chat-lines and one- lines, or even 'virtual chat-lines", as of calls. Finally, it briefly looks at to-one services. The caller leaves a recorded well as new media, such as the new services and media. This message which is relayed almost instan• taneously to other callers on line, thereby Internet. In total, the ICSTLS found brevity is explained by the fact that giving the impression of a 'virtual' conversa•

investigated to be in breach. It yet a comprehensive legal frame• The consultation period ends on 12 August.

INFO-C 4 /AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Just before summer - that accursed 'Quite deliberately, we do not Slankemad can be ordered round the season when a bevy of supermodels recommend any of those miracle clock on +45 32 96 07 11. For further spread their perfect and (very) scantily recipes that claim you can lose 10 kilos information, contact: dressed figures across fashion magazines' in three weeks', says Anne-Dorte cover pages, while ordinary mortals Gjerulff, nutritionist at the Forbruger• Anne-Dorte Gjerulff break into a cold sweat at the very styrelsen. 'We simply show how to Forbrugerstyrelsen thought of having to don a bathing suit replace fattening meals by low-calorie Amagerfaelledvej. 56 DK - 2300 Copenhagen - the Forbrugerstyrelsen (Danish but tasty ones.' Tel.: +45 32 96 06 32 i> 330 consumer institute) advised us - rather Fax: +45 32 96 02 32 than to attempt a futile revolt against To this end Slankemad contains a so much injustice - to read its brochure table, intended for display in the Slankemad (lean meals), which is full kitchen, which lists the energy value of useful tips on how to create menus and fat content of the different types of that are both pleasant and light. food.

Information is essential to consumer The survey, however, found far fewer 1. amending the Trade Descriptions choice. Labelling is an essential part of reasons to be critical of claims made in Act 1968 in such a. way that it information. Does environmental 'advertisements. How does the NCC catches not only statements which labelling tell consumers the truth? To explain this? are 'false to a material degree', as is answer this, the National Consumer now the case, but also hyperbolic 39 Council (NCC) has conducted a According to the NCC, the current (e.g'ozone friendly'); survey of 'green claims' that appear on codes of practice on advertising in the 2. introducing an Environmental products and/or their packaging, as UK provide adequate controls Claims Act, which would make it a well as in advertisements, in the UK. on environmental claims made in criminal offence to make tin- The results are to be found in a 216- advertisements, by requiring advertisers supported environmental claims, page report titled Green Claims - A to be able to produce evidence to with the burden of proof lying on consumer investigation into support their claims and, when in the producer or importer of the marketing claims about the doubt, to subject this evidence to expert product; environment. examination. By contrast, the statutor}' controls on environmental claims made 3. extending the existing system of They were appalling in the case on products and/or their packaging do controls on claims made in of product and on-pack claims, not operate well. The NCC points out advertisements to cover product or which were found to be confusing, that it has found vety few examples of on-pack claims; misleading,.or downright dishonest. successful prosecutions, and that there 4. including in the Fair Trading Act For instance, 'made with wood from a are even doubts about the legal basis 1973 an illustrative lisi of sustainable forest' applied to timber, for some of these. The main reason for misleading claims, together with a cannot be tested; 'specially-formulated this is that, as noted above, most code of practice on environmental with priority given to the environment' product or on-pack claims are not claims that would have statutory (sic!) applied to a detergent, and verifiable by analysis or testing of the backing. 'grown with conservation in mind' (sic product, as they often use terms lacking In the report, the NCC gives details on again!) applied to an oat cereal, are accepted or standard definitions, or are the positives and negatives of each of total nonsense, and 'no lead added' completely specious without being these, and explains why it favours the applied to paints and varnishes may be false. true, but is completely specious, since fourth option. lead has not been added to paints and To remedy this, the NCC has identified varnishes since... the 1970s! four possible courses of action: INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Green Claims can be had from:

National Consumer Council 20 Grosvenor Gardens UK - London SW1W0DH Tel.: +44 171730 3469 Fax: +44 171 730 0191

At a time when French law governing mentalization' are clearly manifold and thorniest aspects of competition case the retail and distributive trades is in complex, but the diversity in tastes and law.· Finally, the fourth part, devoted the throes of change, the publishing the gap in living standards, between to comparative law, takes a look at two house Montchfestien has published European regions seem to be the most regions which are very different to the a work titled Les aspects important ones). But against that there 15, viz. Eastern Europe, the example contemporains du droit de la are signs of convergence among being the Czech republic in regard to distribution et de la concurrence' European consumers, not so much as distribution agreements in the Eastern (contemporary aspects of the law regards the products they buy but the countries, and Africa, with a study on .governing the distributive trades and values underlying these purchases: the impact of the devaluation of the competition), the Proceedings of a respect for the environment, healthy CFA franc on contracts (credit colloquium organized on this theme by nutrition, shift of emphasis from contracts, foreign exchange contracts, the University of Toulouse I on 24 and quantity to quality, etc. sales contracts, etc.) that are currently 25 March 1995. in force. 40 After these general reflections the body In the introduction, Claudie Corvol, of the work is devoted to the study of Contact: head of the Information Service at purely legal issues, which we Claude-Anne Rosseels Sendee de presse CECOD (Centre d'Etudes du summarize briefly. The first part, Editions Montchrestien Commerce et de la Distribution - devoted to the distribution networks, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie centre for the study of commerce and sets out the rules governing F - 75005 Paris Tel: +33144 419710 the distributive trade); first surveys the agreements by commercial agencies Fax: +33 143 54 78 21 conflicting picture presented by the and networks of franchisees and distributive trades in Europe. On the concessionaires. The second part, one hand she argues that the free devoted to the protection of the movement of products and freedom of distribution system, scrutinizes the establishment, which have had the different techniques used to protect force of law for over three years in the such networks against unfair 1 152 pages, FF 180, ISBN 2.7076.0708.8. 15, have not always given birth to competition, parasitism, or the 2 European trade or the European disclosure of trade secrets. The third To mention but one of the examples cited by 1 Claudie Corvol, Nestlé produces no less than consumer· in the full sense of the term part, devoted to the current issues in 300 Nescafé aromas to satisfy all European (the reasons for this 'compart- competition law, highlights the consumers!

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 τ; PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

In 1976 French law authorized the etc.); it then explains in detail the 65 000 members by region, the sites of Union fédérale des Consom­ various procedures followed by the its local unions and their activities mateurs (UFC) to mount actions in UFC in settling these disputes. In the (filing of suits, of course, but also order to safeguard the collective case of individual disputes the UFC participation in consultative or interests of consumers. To mark the will help the consumer draft letters decision­making structures at local, 20th anniversary of the acquisition of with a view to an amicable solution, departmental, regional and European this right, the UFC has published a and if this fails will advise him on how level and consumer counselling ­ 2 000 brochure entitled Le traitement des best to bring an action. But in the case cases per day! ­ in the context of litiges à l'UFC ­ Que choisir of repetitive problems or typical standby services open to the public). (handling disputes by UFC ­ Que offences it will become a party to the choisir). This brochure is divided into proceedings or even file suit on its The brochure concludes with a list of two parts. own initiative with a view to defending the addresses of the local unions. the collective interests of consumers. The first part surveys the 72 86I disputes handled in 1995, with a The second part presents the breakdown by regions (France's 22 ad­ structures of the UFC (while Contact: ministrative regions) and sectors of emphasizing the federal nature of the Union fédérale des Consommateurs 11 rue Guénot activity (15 domains ranging from organization, which consists of 191 F ­ 75555 Paris Cedex 11 housing to transport and including 'local unions', which are autonomous Tel: +33143 48 55 48 motorcars, banking, food and drink, associations), the breakdown of its Fax: +33 1 43 48 44 35

41

The Verein für Konsumenten­ problems in dozens of branches problems to help readers help information (VKI ­ Austrian and tips galore on everyday themselves. consumer information organization) consumer matters (paperback, has published the following books: 192 pages, price: 158 ÖS). The brochures can be obtained from: • Ihre Rechte als Konsument, • Ihre Rechte als Konsument, Band 3 ­ Über 50 Musterbriefe Verein für Konsumenteninformation Band 2 ­ 'Alles auf einen Blick' und Diskette (your rights as Mariahilferstr. 81 (your rights as consumer, volume 2 consumer, volume 3 ­ more than 50 A­1060 Wien ­ an overview). A lexicon of model letters and diskette). Tel.: +43 1 587 2807 Fax: +43 1 587 9300 consumer law from A to Z; a Contains over 50 model letters on a Internet: http://www.vki.or.at detailed presentation of typical legal wide range of typical consumer http://www.konsument.or.at

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Clothes are everyone's business. A as its theme the social, ecological and A 119-page publication documenting growing number of people want to economic consequences of our use of the workshop (title: Bekleidung auf know where their clothes come from. clothing. dem Prüfstand - Dokumentation They ask: Where is cotton wool eines Workshops) summarizes the cultivated? Under what conditions? Conclusion: although there is still room speakers' contributions and the results How are the chemical fibres for improvement, both manufacturers of the discussion. It can be had from: manufactured? Who sells the garments? and consumer and environmental How are they processed at the place of groups have already started to develop manufacture? What kind of ecological perspectives on how to achieve burden is incurred before the textiles durable consumption in the rag trade. arrive in the shops? Etc. Etc. For instance, labels indicating particular ecological and/or social Stiftung Verbraucherinstitut Reichpietschufer 74-76 A workshop organized by the Stiftung qualities are making an increasing D -10785 Berlin Verbraucherinstitut Berlin (consu• impact in the market. Tel.: +49 30 25 49 020 mer institute/foundation of Berlin) had Fax: +49 30 25 49 02 27

Trends in Europe - Consumer It is divided into six chapters. of the 16 countries and further Attitudes and the Supermarket Chapter 1 deals with both the breakdown by Nielsen regions, can be 1995 is an in-depth review of growing convergences and the obtained from: consumer, grocery shopping habits in remaining differences in retailing v. 16 European countries. It represents a format between the various European Food Marketing Institute collaborative effort led by the Food countries, Chapter 2 with food Research Department 800 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Marketing Institute in association shopping practices, Chapter 3 with USA - Washington, DC 20006-2701 with CIES The Food Business weekly family grocery expenditures, Tel: +1202 452 8444 Forum and EuroCommerce. The Chapter 4 with how consumers view Fax: +1202 4294519 analysis and reporting was conducted their primary store, and Chapter 5 by André Tordjman of the HEC School with consumers' concern with For additional information, contact of Management in Paris. nutrition, product safety and recycling Judith A. Kozacik, Vice-President, of packages, while Chapter 6 attempts Research & Member Relations, The baseline study of consumer to classify supermarket shoppers. Tel.: +1202 429 8273 and attitudes in Europe was published in Fax: +1202 4294589, 1992. The new 1995 study was Trends in Europe - Consumer Attitudes at the same address. conducted with a two-fold objective: to and the Supermarket 1995 is analyze the changes that might have published by the Food Marketing occurred since 1992, and to incorporate institute. Copies of the report, as well new elements relating to issues under as a diskette including all the data from legislative review in Brussels. the study, with a breakdown by each

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

The transformation of consumption that respects the environment. Konsumwende ­ mehr Wohlstand für patterns was the theme of a congress The contributions of the experts who alle? may be ordered from: organized in November 1995 by the attended the congress are summar­ Bundesverband Verbraucher ized in Konsumwende ­ mehr Wohl­ Initiative (Germany's federal standfür alle? (the transformation of consumer initiative union), on the consumption patterns ­ more welfare Verbraucher Initiative occasion of its 10th anniversary. The for all?), a 192­page work published by Breitestr. 51 D­53111 Bonn purpose of the occasion was to identify Kongressreader. Tel.: +49 2 28 7263313 ways of developing a consumer policy Fax: +49 2 28 7263399

On 19 June Jan Peeters, Secretary of Topics addressed in the first issue Contact: State for Social Integration in the include: Chantal De Meutter Porte­parole du Secrétaire d'Etat à l'Intégration Belgian government, presented the ­ the role of the social worker as debt sociale first issue of Cahiers de la mediator; avenue Galilée 5 médiation de dettes (debt mediation Β ­1210 Brussels review). This review, which will be ­ the position of creditors; Tel.: +32 2 2101911 Fax: +32 2 217 33 28 published three times annually in ­ the law on debt mediation in French and Flemish, was created at his Wallonia and the proposed laws in Catherine Claeys Bouaert initiative by the Centre coopératif de Flanders and Brussels; Attachée de presse la consommation. Centre coopératif de la consommation ­ 'Planpraktijk', the first commercial rue Haute 28 43 firm in the Netherlands social Β ­1000 Brussels Intended for all those who have to deal sector, which helps approximately Tel.: +32 2 500 53 09 Fax: +32 2 502 7161 with consumer debt in the course of 10 000 families get free of debt business ­ mainly welfare officers, each year; judges, lawyers and credit providers ­ In certain Public Social Assistance Centres half the review is a response to the ­ the way the first conversation the dossiers handled concern consumer debt! constantly expanding practice of debt between the debt mediator and the On the same lines as Guide du traitement indebted person should be des dossiers de surendettement (guide mediation (already legalized in on how to deal with cases of excessive debt) 1 structured; Wallonia , it will shortly be legalized in also published by the Centre Coopératif Flanders­and Brussels also) and the ­ the Di Rupo bill on the collective de la Consommation and presented by fact that the practice has yet to be settlement of debts (and not only Jan Peeters on 31 August 1995 (see the article titled 'Government and associations 'professionalized'. And it is precisely mediation of these debts), currently faced with the excessive debt of consumers' here that Cahiers de la médiation de being debated in the Federal in the 'Countries ­ Belgium' section of the dettes cornes im. Parliament. October 1995 issue of INFO­C).

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 "Π PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIOVISUAL

Initiated in 1991 by CRIOC, Inter­ field of sustainable consumption Inter­Environnement Wallonie Environnement Wallonie and Espace ­ concerning products, standards, rue de la Victoire 26 Β ­1060 Brussels Environnement, the goal of the Réseau regulatory activity, information Tel.: +32 2 539 09 78 Eco­consommation en Région measures, publications, meetings, etc. Fax: +32 2 539 09 21 wallonne (ecological consumption For additional information on la lettre network in Wallonia, Belgium) is to Espace Environnement de l'Eco­consommation and for details rue Montigny 29 provide consumers with the infor­ on how to subscribe, contact Muriel Β ­ 6000 Charleroi mation they need to adopt more Tel.:' +32 7130 0300 Piazza or Catherine Rousseau on environment­friendly consumption Fax: +32 71 30 02 54 +32 2 547 06 83. patterns'. For additional information on the In June the network began publishing network in Wallonia, contact: a bi­monthly newsletter titled La lettre de l'Eco­consommation (ecological CRIOC consumption review) which serves as a rue des Chevaliers 18 Β ­1050 Brussels Consumers may call the network's hot­line mouthpiece for member organizations Tel.: +32 2 547 0611 on +32 71 300 301 every morning on work­ and also brings the latest news in the Fax: +32 2 547 06 01 ing days.

The Association contre le cancer health education professionals) give To order 100 questions sur le (anti­cancer association), one of whose full but succinct answers to the most tabagisme and/or for information on 44 objectives is to inform the general frequently asked questions concerning the association's various anti­smoking public about the health consequences tobacco: Is there an ideal moment to programmes, contact: of consumer behaviour, has published give up smoking? Is it less dangerous Hugues d'Ydewalle a 128­page pocket­size booklet entitled to smoke low­tar cigarettes? Is it Responsable de la communication 100 questions sur le tabagisme possible to stop smoking 'in an hour' Association contre le cancer (100 questions on smoking), in which as certain miracle methods maintain? place du Samedi 13 Β ­1000 Brussels Do people automatically put on weight approximately 40 Belgian and foreign Tel.: +32 2 21919 20 specialists (mainly physicians and when they stop smoking? Etc, etc. Fax: +32 2 218 53 27

In May Febecoop, the Belgian Febecoop and its members, as well as shareholders, employees, clients and federation of cooperatives, launched a dossier focusing on a specific topic. society as a whole. the first issue of LINK, its new In the May issue this dossier featured information bulletin that succeeds the the (sometimes difficult) task of To subscribe to LINK, contact: defunct Forum de ¡Economie Sociale. funding the social economy ­ in other words the economic sector comprising UNK will be published six to eight all firms of a cooperative or associative Febecoop times a year and comprise between nature whose purpose is not to make rue Haute 28 Β ­1000 Brussels two and twelve pages. Each issue will a profit but to accommodate in Tel.: +32 2 500 5211 contain information on the work of equal measure the interests of their Fax: +32 2 514 54 43

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 Ui DIARY

The Academy of European Law Trier is organizing the following conferences:

16-17 September 1996: 'The Principle of Publicity' Venue: Stockholm Language: English

16-17 September 1996: 'Litigation in the European Court of Justice' Venue: Trier Language: French

16-17 September 1996: 'The Reform of the EU-Wine Market Policy - Conflicts and Solutions' Venue: Trier Languages: German and French

Contact Academy of European Law Trier Dasbachstr. 10 D - 54292 Trier Tel: +49 651147 100 Fax: +49 651 147 10 20

45 7-9 November 1996 Eighth European Television and Film Forum

The Eighth European Television 'Responsibility in the new media Contact: and Film Forum will take place in landscape'. The discussions will focus Monique van Dusseldorp / Annemies Broekgaarden Amsterdam from 7 to 9 November on the merits and demerits of the European Institute for the Media 1996. This Forum is being organized information society. As every year, the Kaistr. 13 by the European Institute for interests of consumers and viewers will D-40221 Dusseldorf the Media with the aid of NOS be addressed in the framework of one Tel.: +49 21190104 0 Fax: +49 21190104 56 (Netherlands Broadcasting Corpor• of the working groups. Email: [email protected] ation) and this year's theme is:

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96 I DIARY

15-16 April 1997 Fifth International Conference on Product Safety Research

On 15-16 April 1997, ECOSA. The primary target group of the about one of these, or the other the European Consumer Safety conference consists of researchers in research fields mentioned above. Association, and the Consumer the fields specified above, and Those who wish to present a paper or Safety Institute (NL) will organize the representatives of authorities in a poster at the conference are 5th conference on applied research product safety legislation, standard• requested to send an abstract to the into the safety of consumer products, ization bodies and consumer contact person indicated below before this time in Barcelona, Spain. In organizations. The product safety 1 January 1997. The abstract shall addition to straightforward product- research conference precedes the summarize the following aspects of the related research, this may include European Convention on Consumer project: problem definition, objective, research into product-related accident Safety, which will be held on methods, results and conclusions. mechanisms, consumer ergonomics, 17-18 April 1997, also in Barcelona.

collection of anthropometrical data, Willem van Weperen impact biomechanics, effectiveness of The main themes of the 5th ECOSA warnings, and the like. Research into International Conference on Product PO Box 75169 product safety policy and evaluation Safety Research are risk assessment NL -1070 AD Amsterdam 46 Tel.: +3120 51145.11 studies are also included in the scope and design solutions. Authors are Fax: +3120 5114510 of the conference. invited to submit research papers Email: [email protected]

17-20 May 19981 Fourth World Conference on Injury Prevention and Control

This conference will highlight the The conference is an initiative of the Contact: developments and progress made in World Health Organization and its Conference Secretariat 'Injury Prevention and Control' lhe accident and injury control Collaborating Centres for Safety PO Box 1558 programmes in the various regions of Promotion and Injury Control. It will NL - 6501 BN Nijmegen the world. It will pinpoint the be organized by the Consumer Safety Tel.: +3124 323 4471 similarities as well as the differences in Institute in Amsterdam, as the Fax: +3124 3601159 terms of the approaches chosen, the Netherlands is the host country. techniques applied and the success achieved in closing the gap between research and intervention. Yes, 1998!

INFO-C 4/AUGUST 96

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