Consumer Protection Masterclass - Albania

Consumer Protection Masterclass Outline

Module 1: Consumer Protection - An Overview

• Rationale for Consumer Protection
• Who is the Consumer and What is Consumer Interest?
• Who is Responsible for Consumer Protection?
• A Framework for Consumer Protection

Module 2: The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection

• International Instruments and Consumer Protection
• United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection
• Objectives, Scope of Application and General Principles
• Principles for Good Business Practices
• International Cooperation
• International Institutional Machinery

Module 3: Consumer Law

• Consumer Law in the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection
• Constitutional Provisions on Consumer Protection
• Framework Consumer Protection Laws
• Interface Between Consumer Laws and Other Laws
• Sectoral Laws
• Professional Service Legislation
• Intellectual Property
• International Trade Law

Module 4: Consumer Protection Agencies

• Consumer Protection Agencies in the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection
• Functions of Consumer Protection Agencies
• Organizational Models for Consumer Protection Agencies
• Examples of Government Agencies Within Ministries
• Consultation Mechanisms
• Operational Autonomy
• Link with Competition
• Non-Statutory Public Bodies
• Changing Scope of Consumer Protection

Module 5: Business Conduct

• Business Conduct in the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• European Union Definitions of Corporate Social Responsibility
• ISO 26000 Guidance on Corporate Social Responsibility
• OECD Guidelines for Multi-National Enterprises
• Is Corporate Social Responsibility Making Progress?
• Is it Possible to do Well by Doing Good?
• Self-Regulation
• Cross-Border Codes
• Criteria for Self-Regulation
• Does Collaboration Work?

Module 6: Competition Law, Consumer Interest and International Cooperation

• Nature and Characteristics of Competition Law and Policy
• Concepts of Competition Law
• Abuse of Dominance
• Cartels and Collusive Behaviour
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Institutional Architecture for Competition
• A Challenge for Competition Policy Coherence: Consumer Resistance to Switching
• International Cooperation in the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection
• Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
• Practical International Cooperation
• International Institutional Machinery

Module 7: Consumer Protection in the Marketplace

• Product Safety and Liability
• Consumer Information and Education
• Consumer Dispute Resolution and Redress
• Electronic Commerce
• Privacy and Data Protection

Module 8: Consumer Protection and Basic Goods and Services

• Financial Services
• Consumer Protection in the Provision of Utilities
• Food for All
• Consumer Protection in the Health Care Protection
• Sustainable Consumption