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Consumer Protection in industrialized economies. Overview of the Course. Prof. Dr. Roger Zäch, Universität Zürich Vizepräsident der Wettbewerbskommission. Der Referent ist Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates der Rast Holding SA, wozu u.a. die Denner AG gehört. Overview of the course (1).
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Consumer Protection in industrialized economies Overview of the Course Prof. Dr. Roger Zäch, Universität Zürich Vizepräsident der Wettbewerbskommission Der Referent ist Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates der Rast Holding SA, wozu u.a. die Denner AG gehört.
Overview of the course (1) • General Introduction • Tasks of the state in all economic systems • Avoiding Health and Security (accident) risks caused by dangerous products an services • Preventing the production and consumption of dangerous products and services through production rules • Compensation in cases of damages through liability rules • Information and Education Prof. Roger Zäch
Overview of the course (2) • Tasks of the state in market economies • Safeguarding a minimal balance of power between „offer“ and „demand“, e.g. between producers/dealers and consumers in the market place through Competition Law. • Administrative price fixing in case of lack of competition in the market, a Swiss speciality • Protecting consumers from unfair competition practices through legislation („unfair competition law“) • Avoding „financial“ damages caused by dangerous service products, e.g. insurance and loans on consumption • Preventive measures: „Dangerous“ businesses must fulfill specific requirements before getting the permit to enter the market • Compensation in case of damages based on (contractual) liability rules Prof. Roger Zäch
Overview of the course (3) • Avoiding financial damages caused by unfair or abusive contracts due to uneven bargaining power Preventive measures: Legislation on: • General Terms and Condition (CGT) • Contracting outside commercial establishments • unordered mail • at home • E-commerce • Regulations for risky contracts e.g. • consumer credit • Reisevertrag • Fernkurse • Ausbildungsverträge Prof. Roger Zäch
Overview of the course (4) • Judicial Protection in all economic systems • Private enforcement: simple and quick • Administrative enforcement • Criminal enforcement • Advocating Consumer Interest in the legislative process • Right to form Consumer associations • Financial support from the state for consumer associations • Conclusions Prof. Roger Zäch