The Polish ICPEN Presidency has come to an end. Starting from today, the tasks will be performed by Chile

The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is a forum of cooperation aimed at combating unfair trading practices infringing the interests of consumers around the world. Owing to its global reach - ICPEN members include consumer protection agencies from 36 countries - the Network is able to target the problems that consumers nowadays face.

One of the Network’s initiatives was setting up the www.econsumer.gov website, where consumers from different countries around the globe can submit complaints related to cross-border e-commerce.

The Polish Presidency was a time of dynamic evolution for ICPEN. Two new members - Azerbaijan and China - joined the Network last year. ICPEN also grew institutionally: in autumn 2006 a new Memorandum of Understanding entered into force, envisaging the intensification of the cooperation between all the member agencies. In April 2007 the Network adopted the Strategic Plan for 2007-2010.

What UOKiK chose as the priority of its ICPEN Presidency was the protection of consumer economic interests in the context of the development of the new technologies (spam, different forms of distant selling, Internet scams, etc.). These issues were discussed at the two international conferences which UOKiK organised in Warsaw and Krakow. These conferences, as well as the cooperation within ICPEN working groups, makes it possible for the representatives of the consumer protection agencies from all around the world to exchange their experience in fighting unfair practices in their respective countries.

Starting from today the task of presiding over ICPEN’s operations will be performed by the Chilean Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (SERNAC). Chile is the first South American President in the Network’s history, which is an important development taking into account ICPEN’s global dimension. Thanks to its ambitious plans for the future and long experience in protecting consumer interests - dating back to the 1930s, when the predecessor of SERNAC was established - Chile will undoubtedly contribute to the Network’s further development, to the benefit of consumers all around the world.

Additional information:
Małgorzata Cieloch, Spokesperson for UOKiK
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa
Tel. (+48 22) 827 28 92, 55 60 106, 55 60 314
faks (+48 22) 826 11 86
E-mail mcieloch@uokik.gov.pl