On 15th March 1962, when President John F, Kennedy moved the Bill of Consumer Rights in the American Congress, he recognised consumers has an important economic group in the American Economy. At that time he recognised four consumer rights. However, inn 1983 through advocacy of the Consumers International organisation, these 4 consumer rights were expanded to 8 consumer rights.
The Eight Basic Consumer Rights
- The Right to Basic Needs
Access to food, water and clothing are the very basis of any consumer’s needs. Further access to housing, healthcare and education are also crucial in the modern economy. Further with an increasing digital economy access to internet is currently critical for educational an economic well-being.
- The Right to Safety
The right to safety is the right to be protected against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that are hazardous to health. Especially in the current markets of globalised trade and online purchasing, the right to safety has become a critical factor in safety and quality of products and services. The right to safety thus is the right to be protected against products, production processes and services that are hazardous to health.
Examples of failure of this rights are faulty electrical appliances, adulterated food, dirty toilet facilities and substandard building materials.
- The Right to Information
The right to information is the right to be protected against misleading advertisements or labelling and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make informed choices.
- The Right to Choose
The right to choose is the right to choose products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality. Fair competition should be encouraged in order to provide consumers with the greatest number of choices at the lowest cost.
The manufacturer should make sure that there is reliable after sales service and adequate spare parts.
The consumer should also be protected from unfair one-sided contracts.
- The Right to Representation
The right to representation is the right to express consumer views in the making and execution of government policies. Consumers should have the right to voice their opinions when rules, regulation, policies or programmes are being formulated or changes that would have a direct or indirect impact on their lives.
- The Right to Redress
The consumer has the right to seek redressal for any defects in goods, deficiency in services and loss due to unfair trade practices.
- The Right to Consumer Education
The right to consumer education is the right to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed consumer. Consumer education empowers consumers through understanding their rights and more importantly to exercise their rights.
- The Right to a Healthy Environment
The need for environmental conservation is the necessary defence against the deteriorating quality of life worldwide. Health and well-being is being severely affected due to the polluted environment and living conditions.
In 1985, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection. The Guidelines represented recognition of consumer rights but more importantly provided a regulatory framework for national governments to follow to strengthen consumer protection nationally.
