Are you dissatisfied with your latest purchase because the product is defective? Has the trader acted in breach of your rights? Then you have every right to claim redress.

As part of the EU's information campaign aimed at informing consumers about their rights and encouraging them to assert them, the European Commission has published a number of fact sheets on various consumer-related topics. The fact sheets are available online at www.camalta.org/sw/facts_sheets.html.

They are also available from a number of information points including Consumer House, the Consumer and Competition Division and Forum Malta fl-Ewropa.

If you are not sure what your rights are, consult the relevant fact sheets and seek advice from the Consumers Association. For a modest annual fee you can become a member and you will be entitled to receive advice from seeking redress for your consumer problems. In addition, membership ensures that you are kept up-to-date with what is going on in this sector.

The Consumers Association is a voluntary, non-profit making and autonomous organisation whose main aim is to promote and protect the interests of consumers in Malta.

You may also contact the Consumer and Competition Division for advice on consumer-related issues that you encounter.

Next week's column will address the question: What should I do if I am not satisfied with a product I bought?

For more information contact the European Consumer Centre and the Consumers Association at 47a

South Street, Valletta, tel: 2122 1901, e-mail ecc.malta@gov.mt or info@camalta.org, or visit www.camalta.org. You can also phone the Consumer and Competition Division on freephone 8007 4400.

Across the EU, consumer have rights. Insist on yours.

This article is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned.