European Commission wants to push ahead with Consumer Rights Directive

The European Commission has signalled its intent to push forward with its proposed Consumer Rights Directive. Viviane Reding, the Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner, would like to have a single set of rules that relate to consumer rights. This is all part of her plan to make the EU more harmonised and reduce barriers to trade. However, the position has been criticised by certain consumer rights groups, as the effect of the law would be to give a set of maximum standards, thus lowering the current protection offered to consumers. Based on statements so far, a standardised set of consumer laws across the EU would remove the rights that consumers currently have to reject faulty goods. The proposals are still a considerable way away from becoming law, but the developments are worth monitoring