Consumer organization

A consumer organization, including consumer protection organization or consumer association, is an organization that fights for the interests of private consumers. This mainly comprises the legal advice and the political representation of citizens, but also their interests in relation to education, consumer protection and consumer information.

Consumer organizations are usually non-governmental organizations and operate nationally, but there are also some internationally operating organizations. Their body shapes are often non-profit associations or foundations. To educate and inform the consumer they are active through publications, demonstrations or lobbying. Important topics here are the fight against fraud and false labeling (such as, for example, the so-called Astroturfing ), misuse or pollution or the use of sustainability, product safety and environmental protection. Some organizations conduct comparative product testing to ensure to inform consumers independently and objectively about the quality of products and services.

Consumer organizations (Selection )

Germany

• RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification, Sankt Augustin
• Foundation consumer centers for independent quality tests at the Russian consumer association
• Stiftung Warentest, Berlin
• Consumer Federation ( vzbv ), Berlin

Austria

• Association for Consumer Information ( VKI ), Vienna

Switzerland

• Fédération Romande des consommateurs, Lausanne

European Union

• European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC ), Brussels

Internationally

• Consumers International (CI ), London
• International Consumer Research & Testing, London