Consumers International

Consumers International (CI ) is an independent, international non- profit organization for the protection of consumers with its headquarters in London. More than 200 consumer groups and consumer organizations from over 100 countries are members of Consumers International. The organization coordinates annually since 1983 the World Consumer Rights Day.

History

The organization was founded on 1 April 1960 as the International Organization of Consumers Unions ( IOCU ) to strengthen consumer protection. The organization started to grow rapidly and established itself as an important voice in the international consumer movement. The focus of her work are product standards, food standards, health and patients' rights, environmental protection and sustainability, and the regulation of international trade and public utilities.

The establishment of the organization was initiated by Elizabeth Schadee that was active as chairman of the board in the Dutch Consumers' later, and Caspar Brook, the first director of Which? was in the United Kingdom. The two proposed an international conference to improve the cooperation of the consumer organizations active in the comparative product testing. The Consumers Union of the United States of America supported this project financially. In January 1960, these three organizations organized the First International Conference on Consumer Testing in The Hague, in which 34 representatives from fourteen countries were present to discuss common product testing and the establishment of the international organization. Among the above three national organizations were the Belgian and the Australian Consumers' Association added as founding members and designated representatives for the first Board of Directors.

Members

Consumers International supported and now represents over 220 member organizations in 115 countries around the world. Approximately two thirds of the member organizations come from developing countries. Some members include the following organizations:

  • European Consumers Association, Brussels
  • International Consumer Research & Testing, London
  • Stiftung Warentest, Berlin
  • Consumer Federation, Berlin
  • Consumer Association, Vienna

Offices

The organization has five offices worldwide:

  • Consumers International Global Office, London
  • Consumers International Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Consumers International Office for Africa
  • Consumers International Office for Asia Pacific and the Middle East
  • Consumers International Middle East Hub Office

Famous people

The following people have been involved in the organization:

  • Michel Chossudovsky, author
  • Eva Lachkovics, Director of the Information Centre of Health Action International (HAI ) in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
  • Gerd Leipold, consultants
Mental Capacity Act 2005
201327
de