Bence Gerlaki: the government helps develop consumer awareness in all age groups

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 11. 21. 11:18

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The government is helping to develop consumer awareness in all age groups, but supporting vulnerable consumer groups is particularly important, as is acquiring basic consumer knowledge as early as possible, said the Deputy State Secretary for Economic Development Strategy and Implementation, Consumer Protection and Trade of the Ministry of National Economy (NGM) on Thursday in Budapest, at an event organized by the Regulatory Activities Supervisory Authority (SZTNH) and the Matthias Corvinus Collegium (MCC).

At the opening of the 3rd National Regulatory Conference, Bence Gerlaki called consumer protection a complex task that constantly requires new solutions. In parallel with technological progress, one challenge follows another, purchasing habits and sales practices are changing, and sellers who do not meet either tax law or consumer protection requirements can also earn huge income, he said.

He stressed that every consumer should know that they can count on conciliation bodies and government agencies in such matters, and that the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority will also start operating in January. There has never been an institution like this in Hungary with such a wide range of powers; its tasks will include, in addition to consumer protection, trade policy, supervision of food distribution, management of laboratory tests and national inspections, as well as control of the fuel market and catering – he added.

According to the Deputy State Secretary, the most important principle of conscious consumer behavior is prevention; buyers should know what to look for when buying, how to choose a product, and who to stay away from. In the interest of market balance, Bence Gerlaki also urged the development of entrepreneurial compliance. Dissemination of knowledge can also play an important role in this area, because violations of the law are often not caused by a desire for profit, but simply by a lack of knowledge – he emphasized.

The Hungarian Regulatory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) was established 3 years ago as part of the acting state in order to protect consumers, develop energy sovereignty and areas of supervision – explained President László Nagy, highlighting gambling supervision and cybersecurity among its tasks.

He added that all regulatory decisions must ultimately serve the interests of consumers, because the efficient functioning of the market requires a solid consumer protection policy, since consumer satisfaction is the basis for the functioning of the economy.