EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva will publish on April 14 a list of dangerous goods in the EU assessed according to RAPEX, the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices. Speaking at Bourgas Free University, Kuneva said the products in question were widespread and very important.

Kuneva will announce which goods have been identified as dangerous and which of them will be withdrawn from the market. These are not just goods available in Bulgaria, she said.

A mere 13 per cent of Bulgarian consumers feel properly protected, and 27 per cent are confident that the national authorities will protect their rights. Only 4 per cent of Bulgarian consumers have complained against a retailer or a supplier, and one in ten believes that they had grounds to file a complaint but did not do so.

Kuneva quoted these survey findings in a public talk in Dobrich on Thursday. She said that in the EU, Bulgarian consumers had the least faith in the system protecting their rights.

She called on consumers to be proactive, to be aware of their rights and of the procedure of filing complaints. In addition, the State should put in place mechanisms for consumer protection and ensure that they are effective.

Kuneva said that a new European Commission directive waiting for approval by the European Parliament would broaden consumer rights for purchases made online, by mobile phone or on television shopping channels. She said consumers would not pay extra fees unless informed in advance. Buyers will be entitled to a 14-day money back guarantee if they are not satisfied with the purchase.

Kuneva commented that the directive is intended to boost this kind of trade. Moreover, broadband Internet expansion is part of the Commission's plan for coping with the crisis.

Source: BTA