Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) regulation
A 2016 EC proposal revised the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation 2006/2004 with the intention to improve the effectiveness of the rules and procedures on cooperation of national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws, in particular with the aim to better addressing the challenges of the Digital Single Market. The proposal for a Regulation (repealing Regulation 2006/2004) was part of the Commission’s e-Commerce package adopted on 25 May 2016.
Interinstitutional negotiations were concluded in June 2017. The revised Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 of the EP and of the Council of 12.12.2017 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004, was published in the OJ of 27.12.2017, is in force, and applicable as of 17.01.2020.The revised Regulation strengthens the involvement of consumer organisations in the procedures and provides for a strong coordination role of the Commission in tackling EU-wide infringements. Enforcers may suspend or shut down websites under certain conditions and guarantees and seek to obtain remedial commitments from traders responsible for infringements. The threshold for the "'widespread infringements with a Union dimension" remained unchanged as in the EC's proposal. There is no harmonisation of the limitation periods provided, but different limitation periods will be made available to competent authorities with the aim to improve coordination.
Outcome of the political negotiations
Press/Studies/Other documents
- Press release: Buying online: Parliament beefs up protection against fraudsters (14.11.2017)
- Press release: EP/Council reach deal to improve the enforcement of consumer rights in the EU (22.06.2017)
- EPRS - Briefing EU Legislation in progress - Consumer Protection Cooperation
- EPRS - Initial appraisal of the Impact Assessment of the Commission's proposal
- EPRS - Implementation appraisal, on the current Regulation (of April 2016)