Publication of ASEAN Guidelines on Consumer Protection by Social Organizations

DNHN - Consumer Protection Association can aid with collective consumer grievances, such as court settlements and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes...

Consumer rights and consumer protection principles

The Law on Protection of Consumer Rights (Law on Consumer Protection Management) No. 59/2010/QH12 states: "A consumer is a person who purchases and utilizes products and services for consumption and daily living purposes of individuals, families, and organizations" (Clause 1, Article 3 of the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights).

Article 8 of the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights outlines the rights of consumers as follows: To ensure the safety of life, health, property, and other legitimate rights and interests when participating in transactions and using goods and services provided by organizations or individuals trading in goods;

To be given accurate and comprehensive information on companies and individuals dealing in goods and services; transaction contents of commodities and services; origin and origin of items; be furnished with invoices, vouchers, transaction-related documentation, and other pertinent information regarding the goods and services they have purchased and utilized;

Select goods and services, organizations and individuals trading in goods and services based on their actual needs and conditions; decide whether or not to participate in transactions and the terms of agreements when conducting business with organizations and individuals trading in goods and services.

To provide companies and individuals who trade goods and services with views on pricing, quality of products and services, service styles, transaction methods, and other aspects of interactions between customers and organizations and persons who trade goods and services;

Participating in the formulation and execution of consumer protection policies and regulations;

To file a claim for compensation when products or services do not meet the standards, technical regulations, quality, quantity, features, uses, pricing, or other terms that companies or people dealing in goods or services stated, listed, marketed, or committed;

Complaints, denunciations, lawsuits, or requests for social groups to commence litigation to safeguard their interests in compliance with the provisions of this law and other pertinent legislation;

To be consulted, supported, and directed in terms of consuming knowledge.

Article 4 of the Protection of Consumer Rights Law stipulates consumer protection principles. Protecting the interests of consumers is a shared responsibility of the State and society as a whole; The interests of consumers are respected and protected by the law; Protection of the interests of consumers must be done in a timely, fair, transparent, and legal manner; Consumer protection activities must not infringe on the interests of the State, the lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals trading in goods and services;

ASEAN Consumer Protection Commission Guidelines

To promote the consumer protection movement in the area, the ASEAN Consumer Protection Commission (ACCP) has produced the ASEAN Guidelines on Social Organizations Engaged in Consumer Protection.

This handbook explains the validity and significance of consumer protection-focused social groups. Important roles are played by consumer protection groups in two primary areas:

First, information, guidance, assistance, and advocacy for consumers through a network of branches functioning at the local level. In this manner, consumer protection groups assist customers in gaining confidence and making more informed purchase decisions.

Second, represent the voice of the consumer population as a whole. Where the law permits it, consumer protection organisations can assist with consumer class action complaints through the courts or other dispute resolution methods. mortgage out of court (ADR).

In addition, engagement and participation of consumer protection groups in the policy-making process are essential for ensuring that government policies, laws, and regulations are consistent with the legitimate interests and rights of consumers.

These Guidelines were formulated by the ACCP in consultation with consumer advocacy organizations, individuals, associations, associations, and consumer protection organizations operating in member countries; towards the application of the ASEAN High-Level Principles on Consumer Protection (AHLPCP), particularly with the following specific principles:

Principle 2: Consumers have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to exercise their rights.

Principle 4: Consumers have access to convenient and suitable sources of conflict resolution assistance, such as alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes.

Principle 6: Promote the legislation actively to consumers.

Principle 7: Ensure strong collaboration across all levels of State management agencies, businesses, and other interested parties.

According to the United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection (UNGCP), governments in ASEAN are encouraged to provide an environment conducive to the functioning of consumer protection-focused social groups.

On this basis, the Department of Competition & Consumer Protection informed, published, and made known to consumers and organizations the ASEAN Guidelines on social organizations engaging in the protection of consumer interests described above.

Bao Ngan