ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - A law on consumer protection will make room for a partnership between the consumer and the state as well as an appropriate and healthy market competition, Economy Minister Ljubo Jurcic said in parliament on
Thursday outlining a consumer protection bill moved by the government.
ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - A law on consumer protection will make room
for a partnership between the consumer and the state as well as an
appropriate and healthy market competition, Economy Minister Ljubo
Jurcic said in parliament on Thursday outlining a consumer
protection bill moved by the government. #L#
The most important condition for a good protection of consumers on
the market is that they be informed about every product and service,
as is the possibility of free choice, said Jurcic.
He added the bill did not reflect on rights consumers have under
other laws.
The bill does not stipulate the obligations and liabilities of the
producer which are regulated with another law, while a merchant's
duty is to secure contractual obligations with the producer and
recognise the quality of the goods on offer.
Among the new aspects which should considerably change the
producer's relationship towards the consumer are provisions under
which the consumption of power and water and use of
telecommunications services would be calculated as read on the
consumer's meter, without flat rates.
The bill also says merchants have to highlight product
declarations, and envisages fines of 50-100,000 kuna (between
6,660 and 13,300 euros).
Representatives of consumer associations would be allowed to
participate in bodies making decisions in connection with
consumers' complaints as well as monitor how laws are being
implemented.
Special provisions in the bill refer to the obligation of
parliament to adopt a national consumer protection programme every
two years.
(EUR1 = 7.5 kuna)
(hina) ha sb