The Eight Basic Consumer Rights

In 1962 former US President John F Kennedy put forward four basic consumer rights - safety; information; choice; and representation. This created a charter for the world's consumer organisations worldwide and were expanded (to include the rights to education, redress, a healthy environment and basic needs) in order to reflect the comprehensive needs of consumers. The International Organisation of Consumers Unions, now known as Consumers International, adopted the eight rights as their platform. On 9 April 1985, they were adopted by the United Nations' Assembly. Together they provide a framework for strengthening consumer protection policies around the world.

• Safety
The right to be protected against products, production processes and services which are hazardous to health or life. Manufacturers of consumer goods and products must undertake safety and performance testing before their products are placed in the market.

• Information
The right to be given information – including  ingredients/chemical contents, precautions, if any, limitations and expiration date – needed to make an informed choice, and to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and labelling.

• Choice
The right to be able to select from a range of products and services, offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.

• Representation
The right to have consumer interests represented in the making and execution of policy, and in the development of products and services.

• Basic needs
The right to have access to basic goods and services, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation, so that everyone can fully participate in society.

• Redress
To receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, inferior and substandard goods or unsatisfactory services.

• Education
The right to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them

• Healthy environment
The right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being of present and future generation.

This article first appeared in the magazine Tudatos Vasarlo issue 1.