Consumer rights protection: changes in Ukrainian legislation

Abstract

In modern practice, every person is a consumer throughout all his or her life. For guarantying an adequate level of health protec­tion, safety and generally recognized consumer rights, and promoting their interests, the govern­ment of states must create, strengthen or support an active policy of consumer rights protection. In our country, the main legislative act regulating relations in this area is the Law of Ukraine "On Consumer Rights Protection". In order to bring national legislation on consumer protection closer to the EU legislative framework, harmonize the domestic system in this area with the international one, in particular, operating in the EU, an updated version of the aforemen­tioned Law was adopted. It will enter into force one year from the date of its publication, but not earlier than the date of termination or cancellation of martial law in our country. At the same time, its analysis and ensuring a full understanding of certain provisions and innovations are relevant now. The research hypothesis is formulated – the implementation of the provisions of the adopted Law will contribute to improving the process and effecti­veness of consumer protection in Ukraine, harmo­nization with the EU legislative framework in this area. Based on the analysis of the provi­sions of the new version of the Law of Ukraine "On Consumer Rights Protection", it was established that there are a significant number of new provisions that should contribute to the improvement of the process of consumer protec­tion in Ukraine, harmonization with advanced norms and practices defined in the EU. It was investigated that the main innovations of the Law are the addition of the terminological base, the establishment of minimum warranty periods for the use of used products, the right of consumers to free visits to the sanitary facility in trade establishments, the need to adapt trade organizations to the needs of people with disabilities and representatives of low-mobility groups, the introduction of the practice of using the e-Buyer Portal in the field of e-commerce with an automated system of verified sellers, the prohibition of sending intrusive commercial messages, the improvement of the process of considering consumer appeals, including through out-of-court dispute resolution, and increased liability for violation of established requirements.