How can businesses protect consumer rights?

(Baonghean.vn) - How can businesses be more active in ensuring consumer rights? That was the issue raised at the conference jointly organized by the Competition Management Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the People's Committee of Nghe An province. The focus was on "Businesses for consumers".

Overview of the conference to disseminate and popularize laws on consumer rights protection in Vinh City. Photo: Nguyen Son

The Law on Consumer Protection has been in effect for more than 5 years, but how can we protect consumers when their rights are affected or threatened?

This is an issue that many times even consumers are not interested in, while some businesses, organizations, and individuals produce, trade, and distribute goods for profit, sometimes deceiving consumers.

Mr. Phan The Thang - Department of Consumer Protection of the Ministry of Industry and Trade also provided information on consumer rights protection. Photo: Nguyen Son

At the conference, Mr. Phan The Thang - Deputy Head of the Department of Consumer Rights Protection, Competition Management Department informed about some aspects that all levels and sectors need to equip consumers with. In particular, according to the Law on Consumer Rights Protection, enterprises must have the responsibility to commit to consumers when providing products and ensuring the rights of consumers when they have suggestions and complaints about the quality and effectiveness of products.

The question is how do businesses get involved for consumers? Regarding responsibility, businesses must ensure customer care, product warranty, and receive and handle all consumer complaints. However, in reality, there are terms and conditions of businesses such as: No exchange after purchase, no responsibility for certain damages, etc. That requires all levels of industry and Consumer Protection Associations to get involved to support consumers.

Market Management Team No. 9 of the Market Management Department inspected a facility in Quy Hop district that packaged MSG with signs of counterfeiting the trademark and packaging of MIWON Vietnam Co., Ltd. goods. Photo courtesy of MIWON Vietnam Co., Ltd.

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According to the Department of Industry and Trade, it is worth noting that the general mentality of consumers is to avoid complaints, thinking that it is a waste of time and effort, so they do not reflect, complain, or sue when the purchased product has problems. At the same time, the Provincial Association for Standards and Consumer Protection is not a support for consumers.

To protect consumers, in recent years, units under the Department of Industry and Trade have strengthened inspection and supervision; in 2015 and 2016, the forces handled over 3,300 cases of intellectual property violations, commercial fraud, and food safety violations.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Le Xuan Dai - Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the Department of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies to take more drastic measures to protect consumer rights. In addition to propaganda and raising awareness for consumers, agencies at all levels need to coordinate with businesses to best ensure consumer rights. Businesses also need to realize that consumers are the key to their survival and development, thereby taking more practical actions.

Comrade Le Xuan Dai - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee spoke at the conference. Photo: Nguyen Son

At the conference, many businesses in Nghe An also gave feedback on consumer rights protection, focusing on resolving commitments during production and consumption and taking action when consumers have complaints.

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Nguyen Son