A new International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) website will be launched on 15 March 2010 - the International Consumer Day at www.icpen.org. The new site is user friendly, and is divided into three separate sections tailored to the needs of consumers, consumer protection professionals, and participating ICPEN agencies, facilitating their cooperation within the Network.

The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is a forum of cooperation aimed at combating fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair trading practices infringing the interests of consumers around the world. Owing to its global reach – ICPEN participants include consumer protection agencies from 36 countries – the Network is well-situated to target cross-border issues faced by today’s consumers.

The new website aims to improve the sharing of information about cross-border commercial activities that may affect consumer welfare and encourage global cooperation among law enforcement agencies. It also aims to provide consumers with essential information on how to avoid scams and shop safely online. The new ICPEN website also provides information on where to look for help and how to lodge a complaint in cross-border disputes (e.g. through www.econsumer.gov website). It also includes an educational project database, with examples from different countries relating to the raising of consumer awareness on various relevant issues (e.g., a project from Belgium on misleading advertising and different risks related to online transactions).

Consumer protection experts may find the site useful in terms of information about different activities carried out by the Network, e.g., International Sweep Day or Fraud Prevention Month. They will find information about how to get involved in ICPEN initiatives and about other consumer protection forums around the world. There is also a library of documents aimed at sharing best practices  and a calendar of consumer-related events from around the globe.

ICPEN participants will have the ability to conduct discussions on open forums within different working groups and will have access to an extensive contact database of experts from Network Members and Partners.

Additional information on the website:
Olga Jabłonowska, Head of Unit
Office of Competition and Consumer Protection - Poland
International Relations and Communication Department
E-mail: olga.jablonowska@uokik.gov.pl