Creates a safer and consumer-friendly market for SMEs Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Strengthening trust between economic actors and consumers is crucial in creating a stable, ethical and sustainable business environment – since mutual trust is one of the most important foundations of economic development.

This trust is strengthened by the cooperation between the Chamber and the Ministry of National Economy, which is responsible for consumer protection, within the framework of which the operation of conciliation bodies can also become more efficient: thanks to simplified procedures, faster and more cost-effective administration is achieved, which protects small and medium-sized enterprises as consumers in a unique way in Europe. The regionally structured conciliation board system ensures the peaceful and effective resolution of disputes between consumers and businesses through eight regional boards.

A further milestone in the cooperation is that from 22 August 2025, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be able to exercise consumer warranty rights if they purchase a product or service that is not directly related to their business activities. This means that, for example, a small company, if it buys an office coffee machine or laptop and it breaks down, will enjoy the same warranty rights as a private individual – they can request repair, replacement, price reduction or withdrawal from the contract. The warranty period is two years, during which the company can enforce its rights in the event of defective performance.

In the spirit of strengthening consumer protection cooperation, the Consumer Protection Referent Association (FORE) announced the “Consumer Protection Referent of the Year” 2025 competition within the framework of an agreement concluded with the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The award is being presented for the fourth time to those referents and companies whose work goes beyond legal obligations and actively contributes to strengthening the consumer protection approach and consumer-friendly corporate culture. The winner of the “FMCG Trade” category of the “Consumer Protection Referent of the Year Award” was Terézia Albert, consumer protection referent of Auchan Hungary Kft., while the award in the “Durable Consumer Goods Trade” category was received by Tamás Madarász, consumer protection referent of GORENJE Hungary Kft. This year, in the “TEAM” category, the consumer protection representatives of KIK Textil és Non Food Kft. – Marianna Moravszkiné Megyesi, Andrea Susán and Csabáné Szabó – received recognition. The award was received by CEO Róbert Rikk and the winning team in a ceremonial setting.

At the event, Ákos Csókay also presented the special awards offered by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: the Chamber’s “Large Company with the Best Consumer Protection Practice” special award went to Auchan Magyarország Kft., while the “Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise with the Best Consumer Protection Practice” special award went to PREMIUM SPORT Kft.