World Consumer Rights Day

All people, to one degree or another, are direct consumers of certain goods and services. And, as a rule, buyers remain the most unprotected in our time. What is the meaning of the Day of Protection of Consumer Rights?

History of occurrence

World Consumer Rights Day officially acquired the status of a holiday in March 1983. This tradition dates back to the 1961 speech of US President D. Kennedy.

In his speech, he first gave a clear definition of the term "consumer". The President noted that this is a special economic group, whose interests are touched upon absolutely in all spheres of life. On the basis of this, Kennedy singled out several legal aspects that later served as the basis for the corresponding law:

• The right to security;
• The right to receive information,
• The right to choose;
• The right to be heard.

A little later this list was expanded, and it included:

• The right to compensation for damage;
• The right to have a favorable environment;
• The right to education as a consumer;
• The right to satisfy basic needs.

Law of the Russian Federation "On Protection of Consumer Rights"

On February 7, 1992, the government of the Russian Federation passed a law regulating the rights of consumers. It is worth noting that this led to the urgent need to resolve the relationship between the seller, who most often was the state, and the buyer.

After the entry into force of this law, Consumer Rights Protection Day gained wide recognition in Russia. By means of the press and the mass media, this topic is increasingly being covered so that, in a controversial situation, the consumer knows and understands what his rights and duties are.

What to do when the rights of consumers are violated

In such cases, it is worth remembering only a few points:

1. Always read the information on the label. It should be written in Russian. If doubts about the correctness of the choice of a particular product or service are still present, it is better to look for additional data on the manufacturer's website, in the media or consult with professionals.
2. Try as closely as possible to keep track of the shelf life of the purchased products. If it has expired and the goods are still on the shelf of the store, it is worth remembering their rights and contacting the higher structures.
3. The seller must issue a receipt, receipt or service agreement. If for some reason nothing like this is given to you, then this is an excuse for finding out the circumstances. Do not forget that you can only make claims to the seller with a check. Compensation for damages is also made with the obligatory availability of a document confirming the purchase.
4. In case you have doubts about the proper quality of the purchased goods or services, then again you should contact the bodies of Rospotrebnadzor.

These and many other situations are discussed in more detail in the federal law on consumer rights.

The role of the holiday in the Russian Federation

In our country it is not customary to celebrate such holidays. However, many remember that March 15 is celebrated the Day of Consumer Rights Protection in Russia. This is largely promoted by Internet resources, newspapers, magazines, advertising on television and on posters.

General compulsory education institutions and universities also carry out propaganda concerning this issue. All activities are organized to educate today's youth. It is very important that the younger generation remember where it can turn to to protect its rights and in what cases. Subject class hours, quizzes, games are held annually on the Day of Consumer Rights Protection in the school. The children take part in such events with great interest, unconsciously joining in the study of Russian legislation.

The role of the holiday outside of Russia

On World Consumer Rights Day, all countries open hotlines, with the help of which anyone can solve a problem related to the purchase of a substandard product or the improper provision of a certain service. Also, various demonstrations and rallies are organized in order to attract as many people as possible.

In many countries, the day of consumer protection is marked by shopping, in the process of which it is absolutely not necessary to buy things in the store, but it is only necessary to take a closer look at the quality of the goods and assess the level of provision of this or that service.

Subjects and mottoes of the holiday

Traditionally, the Consumer Rights Protection Day has a certain focus and passes under the appropriate motto, which is adopted by the International Federation of Consumer Organizations. Each of the slogans corresponds to the topic, which will be sent increased attention.

How was the Day of Consumer Protection this year in Russia

This year in our country the holiday was dedicated to the topic of healthy nutrition. Diseases associated with improper diet selection are at the top of the list. Obesity, diabetes, elevated cholesterol - these are the main problems of modern man. Obsessive advertising, marketing techniques, lack of necessary information entail the demand for harmful products. In such cases, it is necessary to remember that anyone can apply to Rospotrebnadzor on the issues of upholding their own rights and interests. It is with this goal in mind that the state supports all sorts of events in all ways, timed to such a holiday as the Day of Consumer Rights Protection.

In conclusion, it should be noted that every day the society is growing consumer illiteracy. Our common goal is to teach as many people as possible to assert their rights. To do this, all organizations must be involved in this process. Schools should teach this children from the first class, universities - young people, and direct employers - their employees. If there is a well-established educational system related to such issues, sellers will be interested in constantly improving the quality of goods and services, and buyers will be protected by the state. Therefore, the need for such a holiday as the Day of Consumer Protection is undeniable. So let's, before you make a purchase, carefully read this important law relating to each of us.