Regulatory authorities – their role in protecting consumers

The Consumer Affairs Council will be holding a half-day consumers’ rights conference on Tuesday.

It will discuss the role of the authorities and entities concerned with protecting and advising consumers about their legal rights when faced with problems related to products or services they have purchase.

The conference will be introduced and chaired by Consumer Affairs Council chairman Marcel Pizzuto. Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers and Fair Competition Chris Said will deliver the opening address.

The conference will then be addressed by distinguished speakers, including Malta Standards Authority chairman Francis Farrugia, who will give a presentation on ‘Product lifecycle – ensuring consumer protection’.

Godwin Mangion, acting director general of the Consumer and Competition Department, will follow with a presentation on ‘Enhancing consumers’ rights and fair trading’ and manager Claude Sammut will discuss ‘Consumer support services for EU cross-border transactions’.

There will also be presentations from three authorities that offer assistance to consumers facing certain difficulties. Paul Micallef, from the Malta Communications Authority, will discuss the role of the authority in protecting end-users of communication services.

David Fabri, from the Malta Financial Services Authority, will speak on ‘Regulators and consumers – an evolving but often uncertain relationship’.

Patricia Vella Bonanno, from the Medicines Authority, will talk about the authority’s role in protecting consumers and public health.

The conference will be held at the Dolmen Hotel, Qawra, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested in participating can register by e-mailing cacouncil@gov.mt or calling Cecilia Testa on 2144 3842 or 2144 6251.

Complimentary lunch will be served at the end of the conference. Early booking is recommended as places are limited. Attendance is free.