OECD Guidelines for Protecting Consumers from Fraudulent and Deceptive Commercial Practices Across Borders (2003)

OECD governments have agreed on guidelines outlining a framework for international co-operation to protect consumers against the growing problem of cross-border fraud, particularly on the Internet. The OECD Guidelines for Protecting Consumers from Fraudulent and Deceptive Commercial Practices Across Borders ("Cross-Border Fraud Guidelines") set forth broad principles for international co-operation and specific provisions covering notification, information sharing, and assistance with investigations. They also cover issues regarding the authority of consumer protection enforcement agencies, invite private-sector co-operation, and set the stage for future work on the issue of consumer redress.

They are downloadable in html (English) and pdf format in the following languages: English/French (bilingual), German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish. Further translations are forthcoming.

As recommended by these guidelines, member country governments have provided a list of National Contact Points for co-operation against fraudulent and deceptive commercial practices.

Contact: Queries concerning these guidelines can be sent to: consumer.policy@oecd.org.

For more information on consumer policy at the OECD, click here.