Competition is the best form of consumer protection
Consumer policy is a cross-cutting issue. Businesses and consumers share the same interest in high-quality products at reasonable prices. Effective competition to offer the best products therefore benefits everyone, both businesses and consumers. The implementation of European requirements must not come at the expense of competitiveness. Additional bureaucracy and higher costs put companies at a disadvantage in global competition.
Consumers are at the heart of business activity. They determine the success and continued development of products and services. Manufacturers and service providers therefore continuously invest in research and development to improve environmental, safety and social standards.
Consumer policy within BDI
The BDI develops cross-sectoral consumer policy positions and maintains an ongoing dialogue with policymakers. Its aim is to establish and safeguard a regulatory framework that allows for effective competition to offer the best products, promotes product diversity, prevents abuse and provides scope for innovation, freedom of choice and responsible consumer decision-making.
Competition is the best form of consumer protection
Competition to offer the best products promotes individual responsibility, progress and sustainability. Continuous competition for consumers’ favour compels companies to constantly review their products and services and to align their research activities, product development and pricing with consumers’ needs and preferences.
The BDI advocates a regulatory framework that enables companies to access new markets, supports growth and promotes sustainable economic activity through competition.
Overregulation undermines consumer sovereignty
Governments often respond to arguments put forward by consumer organisations by introducing additional regulations. Allegedly unmet consumer information needs are also frequently used to justify legislative intervention. Many consumer policy initiatives, particularly at European level, are increasingly proving to be paternalistic measures introduced through the back door. Subtle attempts to influence behaviour are intended to steer consumers towards what is considered the “right” consumption behaviour, particularly from a health perspective. This approach creates a false sense of security, undermines consumer sovereignty and significantly interferes with markets.
The BDI therefore advocates regulation that is limited exclusively to necessary government precautions, namely health protection and the prevention of risks. The BDI rejects government attempts to steer consumer behaviour.
Necessity and proportionality as guiding principles
Industry supports sustainable consumer policy. However, the implementation of European requirements must not conflict with national interests. Additional bureaucracy and higher costs put companies at a disadvantage in global competition. Greater consideration must be given to what proposed policy measures will actually achieve and what impact they will have on both industry and consumers.
The BDI advocates robust impact assessments of all consumer policy instruments and measures, based on empirical consumer research.
Sustainable consumer policy through consumer education
Legislators must always strike an appropriate balance between objectively necessary regulation and companies’ responsibility for providing safe and high-quality goods and services. Sustainable consumer policy should also draw on companies’ expertise through dialogue with the business community. Responsible consumer policy must begin by promoting nutritional literacy and economic education.
The BDI advocates policies that respect consumers’ purchasing decisions. This also includes appropriate consumer education programmes that enable consumers to fulfil their role independently and responsibly.
