Latest Documents

Implementation toolkit on legislative actions for consumer protection enforcement co-operation

International conference on the consumer marketplace of the future

This interactive international event on 15-17 June 2021 will celebrate 50 years of consumer policy work at the OECD. Senior decision-makers from the public and private sectors, experts, academics and other stakeholders will discuss the most pressing topics for consumers in the midst of ongoing digital transformation and green transition.

The effects of online disclosure about personalised pricing on consumers - Results from a lab experiment in Ireland and Chile

OECD Recommendation on consumer product safety

This recommendation outlines the key elements that should be at the core of consumer product safety frameworks at domestic and international levels. It includes a level of flexibility in order to ensure continued relevance and applicability across a variety of contexts, including in relation to product safety issues emerging from e-commerce, new technologies, and the COVID-19 crisis.

Protecting online consumers during the COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has upended the global consumer landscape. Confinement measures have moved consumers further online, changed their demands and exacerbated behavioural biases. Many governments must strike a balance between protecting consumers’ health and safety, strengthening consumer trust, and addressing challenges to business and workers.

Measuring consumer detriment and the impact of consumer policy

Measuring consumer detriment is a fundamental building block for assessing the impacts of consumer policies and consumer agency actions. This paper examines possible methodologies for estimating consumer detriment and also provides practical guidance for developing and strengthening the effectiveness of consumer policy-making frameworks.

#ReactToRecalls: Global awareness campaign on product recalls

Consumer reaction to product recalls remains low in most jurisdictions, some achieving response rates as low as 3%. Over 20 countries are taking part in the October 2019 international awareness campaign to help consumers bridge the gap between being aware of a recall and reacting to it, and to increase business understanding of how to effectively communicate recalls to consumers.

Good practice guide on consumer data

Consumer data flows throughout the economy, powering much of the digital transformation that has taken place over the last decade as well as emerging developments This paper provides insights on how consumer protection authorities can apply the OECD Recommendation on Consumer Protection in E-Commerce, and offers key business tips to comply with its principles.

Understanding online consumer ratings and reviews

This paper takes stock of recent developments related to online consumer ratings and reviews and their effects on consumer behaviour. It provides an overview of key consumer benefits and risks associated with user-generated feedback, and identifies consumer policy challenges, including misleading and deceptive practices, a lack of accuracy, and consumer biases.

Good practice guide on online consumer ratings and reviews

Building on the OECD Recommendation of the Council on Consumer Protection in E-Commerce, this paper aims to provide practical guidance to businesses on online consumer ratings and reviews. It focuses on four areas: (i) fake ratings and reviews; (ii) incentivised ratings and reviews; (iii) negative ratings and reviews; and (iv) misleading moderation practices.