Consumer protection

  • Our common rules for the common market include measures to help consumers feel confident when buying products from across Europe.

    European agreements on consumer rights aim to increase customer protection while maintaining a level playing field and a competitive market for businesses. They aim to give consumers the power to make informed decisions based on accurate, clear and consistent information, and put safeguards in place to ensure businesses don’t take advantage of their customers.

    Consumer expenditure makes up 56% of the EU’s GDP, and encourages economic growth.

  • courtesy alphageek via Flickr

As much of the food we eat comes from other countries in the EU, it makes sense that consumers are protected by common food safety legislation. This lays down standards for food hygiene, animal welfare, plant protection and food contamination. Suppliers must provide clear information on the origin, content and use of food, and all allergens must be identified.

Further reading on consumer protection