EU Consumer Protection Laws: Key Rulings by the Court of Justice

Introduction

• The EU aims for high consumer protection through various laws.
• Court of Justice plays a role in clarifying these rules.

Online Shopping and Returns

• Increasing trend of online shopping poses issues like unwanted products.
• Court ruling mandates:
  • Retailers must reimburse not just the cost of goods but also delivery costs.
  • Ensures consumers' right to change their mind.

Premium Rate Telephone Numbers

• Protection against high-cost after-care service lines:
  • Must not cost more than a normal national call.
• Illegal practices:
  • Consumers told they won a prize but need to call a premium rate number to claim.

Food Labelling

• Court addresses misleading food labelling:
  • Ensures labels do not mislead or make false health claims.
  • Prohibits use of illustrations of ingredients not present in the food.

Conclusion

• Through its rulings, the Court upholds consumer rights against unfair practices.
• Reinforces a high level of consumer protection in the EU.