Creation of an effective system for protecting consumer rights is being discussed in Armenia
YEREVAN, May 5 /ARKA/. Armenian authorities are considering an initiative to create an effective consumer rights protection system, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said at an extraordinary session of the parliamentary committee on economic issues on Monday.
Papoyan presented a package of laws amending the Law on the Protection of Economic Competition and related laws for discussion in the first reading. According to him, the adoption of the package is due to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Armenia and the EU.
“The current legislation lacks provisions regulating the administrative and legal mechanisms of consumer protection, and there is no central body authorized to initiate proceedings and impose sanctions in case of unfair practices against consumers,” Papoyan said.
The minister added that there are no norms prohibiting unfair, misleading and aggressive trade practices against consumers, there are no rules for providing information on the price per unit of goods, and there are no special procedures for reviewing violations of consumer rights.
Papoyan said that the initiative provides for regulation to solve the above problems.
"In particular, the bill transfers consumer protection powers to the Commission for the Protection of Competition as the central and main point of contact. It also sets out clear provisions on infringements against consumers, including a general definition of unfair trading practices towards consumers and their most foreseeable manifestations. The examination of causes of action and the procedures for investigating infringements of consumer rights are regulated in detail. Liability for violations against consumers will be established," Papoyan said.
The minister added that with the adoption of the submitted package, firstly, an effectively functioning system for the protection of consumer rights will be created, and secondly, Armenia will ensure the fulfillment of the obligations established at this stage by CEPA. -0-
