SYLLABUS

GS-2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Context: India will chair the Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, organised by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), at the Palais des Nations, from 6–8 July 2026.

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• The session will bring together Member States, international organisations, consumer protection authorities, academia and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues in consumer protection law and policy.
  • Nidhi Khare will chair the three-day deliberations on behalf of India.
• The session will discuss the implementation of the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP), consumer education, sustainable consumption, cross-border consumer protection and enforcement of consumer protection laws.
• It will also include a Voluntary Peer Review of Argentina's consumer protection law and policy.
• A major highlight will be the launch of the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2025.
• India will also participate in a high-level fireside chat titled "Why the Principles Matter."
• India showcased its National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and AI-enabled e-Jagriti platform at the Ninth United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection (2025).
• Over the last 14 months, the NCH has facilitated refunds of ₹91.77 crore by resolving over 1.47 lakh grievances across 36 sectors before litigation.

About the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy

• It is a standing intergovernmental body constituted under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP).
• It serves as the principal global platform for cooperation and dialogue on consumer protection law and policy among Member States.
• Its key functions include:
  • Monitoring the implementation of the UNGCP.
  • Facilitating international consultations and policy dialogue.
  • Undertaking Voluntary Peer Reviews of national consumer protection regimes.
  • Producing research, policy studies and technical assistance.
  • Recommending updates to the UNGCP in response to emerging challenges.

About United Nations Trade and Development

• Established in 1964 by the United Nations General Assembly as a permanent intergovernmental body.
• It is the UN's leading institution dealing with trade and development.
• It supports developing countries through:
  • Economic and trade research and analysis.
  • Consensus-building among Member States.
  • Technical assistance in trade, investment, finance and technology.
• It aims to help developing countries participate more effectively and equitably in the global economy and achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
• Rebeca Grynspan has served as Secretary-General since 2021, becoming the first woman to head the organisation.

India's Domestic Consumer Protection Framework

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, to address challenges arising from e-commerce, digital transactions and online consumer services.
• Key features include:
  • Establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
  • Product liability provisions.
  • Regulation of misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
  • Consumer dispute redressal through District, State and National Consumer Commissions.
  • E-filing and digital grievance redressal mechanisms.
• National Consumer Helpline (NCH) provides pre-litigation resolution of consumer grievances and has become an important mechanism for cross-border consumer dispute resolution.
• e-Jagriti is an AI-enabled digital platform that enables:
  • Online filing of consumer complaints.
  • Virtual hearings.
  • Electronic case management.
  • Digital access to proceedings.
  • Complaint filing by NRIs and consumers residing abroad.
• The framework aligns with the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection by promoting consumer rights, digital access to justice, and international cooperation in consumer protection.