The European Commission published the results of its REFIT (review) of consumer legislation. They included an evaluation of the Consumer Rights Directive, even though that is technically too recent to require a review.

The six other Directives looked at were those on Unfair Commercial Practices, Unfair Contract Terms, Price Indication, Consumer Sales and Guarantees, Injunctions, and Misleading and Comparative Advertising.

Essentially, they were all found to be fit for purpose when effectively applied. So, the main follow up activities will be concentrating on raising consumers’ awareness of their rights and ensuring that manufacturers, retailers and, most importantly, enforcement bodies are up to date with the rules.

The Commission is also considering options for targeted amendments to existing legislation: for instance, to improve the transparency of online platforms or introduce an EU-wide right to remedies for victims of unfair commercial practices.

The Commission has already begun working with various stakeholders to establish a voluntary agreement on the presentation of standard contract terms and pre-contractual information.