NGM: increased consumer protection control at online stores and courier companies

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 10. 21. 11:22

The Minister of National Economy called on the consumer protection authority to investigate the information and complaint handling obligations of online stores and courier companies, which will take the necessary measures to protect Hungarian families after completing the procedures, the Ministry of National Economy (NGM) told MTI.

According to the announcement, the government offices acting as consumer protection authorities have received countless complaints in connection with delivery problems related to products ordered online. While some packages are not delivered to customers for weeks, customer services are often unreachable or complaints are not handled properly, leaving a wide range of consumers suffering serious damages.

The Ministry of National Economy therefore called on the consumer protection authority under its professional supervision to increase the monitoring of information and customer service obligations related to online stores and courier companies, they wrote.

Online consumer protection is one of the most important priorities of Hungary’s consumer protection policy, which is why the consumer protection authority pays special attention to online stores throughout the year by checking their websites and conducting test purchases.

In the first half of the year, nearly three hundred investigations were conducted, in which a significant 78 percent objection rate arose, primarily due to violations of the obligation to provide information. As part of the investigation, consumer protection fines in the amount of nearly HUF 70 million have been imposed so far, the announcement states.

The NGM and the consumer protection authority under its professional management will do everything possible to ensure that Hungarian families do not suffer financial damage in connection with online orders, the announcement reads.