Emphasize consumer rights with safe products

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The trade and commercial sector has long highlighted the well-known sayings “the customer is always right” and “the customer is king.” These expressions underline the importance of consumers in economic activities and emphasize that businesses should give priority to the needs and satisfaction of their customers. In a healthy market environment, consumers play a central role, and their confidence and trust are essential for the success and sustainability of businesses.
In some areas, the role of consumers appears to have weakened as some traders fail to prioritize their interests. As a result, some producers and sellers offer low-quality goods or services without sufficient regard for consumer expectations. They sometimes assume that their products will automatically secure a place in the market and that consumers will have no choice but to accept what is available. Such a misconception undermines the basic principle that businesses exist to serve consumers and respond to their needs.
The importance of protecting consumer rights has gained increasing attention at the international level. In 2023, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) called for greater awareness of consumers’ rights to essential services such as energy and water. According to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial to ensure access to safe and affordable drinking water and reliable energy services for people around the world within the coming years.

Global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation continue to pose serious threats. UNCTAD has also stressed the importance of improving consumers’ access to essential services, including energy, water and sanitation. The UN Guidelines recommend that member states promote universal access to public utilities and strengthen national policies governing service provision. Such policies should address consumer information, service charges, deposits, payment systems, dispute resolution mechanisms and protections for vulnerable consumers.

The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection also emphasize that consumers should have access to essential goods and services, while special attention should be given to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. In reality, producers and consumers depend on one another within the global economic system. Manufacturers rely on consumers to purchase their products, while consumers depend on producers to provide safe, reliable and affordable goods and services. This mutual relationship contributes to the overall development of the economy.
Global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation continue to pose serious threats. UNCTAD has also stressed the importance of improving consumers’ access to essential services, including energy, water and sanitation. The UN Guidelines recommend that member states promote universal access to public utilities and strengthen national policies governing service provision. Such policies should address consumer information, service charges, deposits, payment systems, dispute resolution mechanisms and protections for vulnerable consumers.
To further promote consumer welfare, countries around the world will observe World Consumer Rights Day 2026 under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers”. Ensuring consumer choice and access to safe, affordable services will ultimately contribute to a more prosperous and harmonious society.

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