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EC Consumer Policy Review - Academics' Report

The DTI is keen to engage proactively in the EC Consumer Policy Review process, and commissioned a study into how the consumer acquis might be improved.

The Academics’ Report

This is an independent report and does not represent the views of the DTI. 

The aims of this independent research were to:

(i) consider where the UK law goes further than required by the corresponding EU Directive and,

(ii) provide a detailed analysis of the extent to which the directives might be simplified and rationalised.

In addition, the research identifies which of these additional measures identified in (i) fall within the scope of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD). This is because the UCPD introduces a general duty not to treat consumers unfairly; it also specifically prohibits misleading or aggressive practices and certain other practices. As such it may overlap with some of the provisions identified in (i).

The research was not intended to identify anything that stakeholders find unhelpful in practice about the Directive, but was a legal analysis. This informal consultation extends beyond the research and we do want to hear any other points you wish to make about the directives.

We invited comments from stakeholders on the study report, or on other ideas for change. Responses were used to inform our input to the Commission’s review. There will be formal UK consultations when negotiations begin on any future EU legislation.