World Consumer Rights Day

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

All people, to one degree or another, are direct consumers of certain goods and services. And, as a rule, it is the buyers who remain the most vulnerable in our time. What is the meaning of the holiday Consumer Rights Protection Day?

History of occurrence

World Consumer Rights Day officially became a holiday in March 1983. This tradition originates from the 1961 speech by US President John F. Kennedy.

In his speech, he for the first time gave a clear definition of the concept of "consumer". The President noted that this is a special economic group, whose interests are affected in absolutely all spheres of life. Based on this, Kennedy identified several legal aspects that later served as the basis for the relevant law:

• right to security;
• right to be informed,
• the right to choose;
• the right to be heard.

A little later this list was expanded to include:

• right todamages;
• the right to have a favorable environment;
• the right to education as a consumer;
• the right to meet basic needs.

The Law of the Russian Federation "On Protection of Consumer Rights"

February 7, 1992, the government of the Russian Federation adopted a law regulating the rights of consumers. It is worth noting that the urgent need to resolve relations between the seller, which was most often the state, and the buyer led to this.

After the entry into force of this law, Consumer Rights Protection Day became widely known in Russia. The press and mass media are now increasingly covering this topic so that, when in a controversial situation, the consumer knows and understands what his rights and obligations are.

What to do when consumer rights are violated

In such cases, it is worth remembering just a few points:

1. Always read the information on the label. It must be written in Russian. If there are still doubts about the correct choice of a particular product or service, then it is better to look for additional data on the manufacturer's website, in the media or consult with professionals.



2. Try to keep track of the expiration date of the purchased products as closely as possible. If it has expired, and the product is still on the store shelf, you should remember your rights and contact the higherstructures.
3. The seller is obliged to issue a check, receipt or service agreement. If for some reason nothing like this was given to you, then this is a reason to clarify the circumstances. Do not forget that you can express all claims against the seller only if you have a receipt. Compensation for damage is also made with the obligatory presence of a document confirming the purchase.
4. If you have any doubts about the proper quality of the purchased product or service, then again you should contact the Rospotrebnadzor authorities.

These and many other situations are covered in more detail in federal consumer law.

The role of the holiday in the Russian Federation

It is not customary in our country to celebrate such holidays on a full scale. However, many people remember that March 15 is Consumer Protection Day in Russia. This is largely facilitated by Internet resources, newspapers, magazines, advertising on television and on posters.

Compulsory education institutions and universities are also promoting this issue. All events are organized with the aim of educating today's youth. It is very important that the younger generation remember where they can apply to protect their rights and in what cases. Thematic class hours, quizzes, games are held annually on Consumer Rights Protection Day at school. Children take part in such events with great interest, unconsciously joining the study of Russian legislation.

Roleholiday outside of Russia

On World Consumer Rights Day, all countries open hotlines, through which anyone can solve a problem related to the purchase of low-quality goods or the improper provision of a certain service. All kinds of demonstrations and rallies are also organized in order to attract as many people as possible.

In many countries, consumer protection day is celebrated with shopping, during which it is not necessary to buy things in a store, but you just need to take a closer look at the quality of the goods and evaluate the level of the provision of a particular service.

Themes and slogans of the holiday

Traditionally, Consumer Protection Day has a certain focus and is held under the appropriate motto, which is adopted by the International Federation of Consumer Organizations. Each of the slogans corresponds to a topic that will receive increased attention.

How was Consumer Protection Day this year in Russia

This year in our country, the holiday was dedicated to the theme of he althy eating. Diseases associated with the wrong choice of diet are in one of the first places. Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol - these are the main problems of modern man. Intrusive advertising, marketing techniques, lack of necessary information entail the demand for harmful products. In such cases, it must be remembered that any person can apply to Rospotrebnadzor to defend their own rights andinterests. It is for this purpose that the state by all means supports various events dedicated to such a holiday as Consumer Rights Protection Day.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that every day consumer illiteracy is growing in society. Our common goal is to teach as many people as possible to defend their rights. To do this, it is necessary to involve all organizations in this process. Schools should teach this to children from the first grade, universities to young people, and direct employers to their employees. With a well-established system of education concerning such matters, sellers will be interested in constantly improving the quality of goods and services, and buyers will be protected by the state. Therefore, the need for such a holiday as Consumer Rights Protection Day is undeniable. So let's take a closer look at this important law that concerns each of us before making a purchase.