Central Government establishes Central Consumer Protection Authority [READ NOTIFICATION]

The Central Government has established a Central Consumer Protection Authority with effect from 24 July 2020 that is headquartered in New Delhi. 

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is a national level regulator, concerned with issues related to violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements that are prejudicial to the interests of the public and customers. 

Chapter III of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 contains regulations related to CCPA. 

The provisions pertaining to the CCPA, which were not notified last week, shall come into force with effect from 24 July 2020, i.e. on Friday. 

Many of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and of the various Rules have come into effect on 20 July 2020. 

As under Section 18 of the 2019 Act, the CCPA shall: 

1. Protect, promote, and enforce consumer rights as a class and prevent the infringement of consumer rights under this Act. 
2. Prevent unfair trade practices and ensure that no person engages himself in unfair trade practices
3. Ensure that no false or misleading advertising is made of any goods or services which contravenes the provisions of this Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder
4. Ensure that no person takes part in the publication of any advertisement which is false or misleading. 

To comply with the above, the CCPA is empowered to:

1. Inquire or cause an inquiry or investigation to be made into violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices, either suo motu or on a complaint received or on the directions from the Central Government
2. File complaints before the District Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, under this Act
3. Intervene in any proceedings before the District Commission or State Commission or National Commission, as the case may be, in respect of any allegation of violation of consumer rights or unfair trade practices
4. Review the matters relating to, and the factors inhibiting the enjoyment of, consumer rights, including safeguards provided for the protection of consumers under any other law for the time being in force and recommend appropriate remedial measures for their effective implementation
5. Recommend adoption of international covenants and best international practices on consumer rights to ensure effective enforcement of consumer rights
6. Undertake and promote research in the field of consumer rights 
7. Spread and promote awareness on consumer rights
8. Encourage non- Governmental organizations and other institutions working in the field of consumer rights to cooperate and work with consumer protection agencies
9. Mandate the use of unique and universal goods identifiers in such goods, as may be necessary, to prevent unfair trade practices and to protect consumers' interest; 
10. Issue safety notices to alert consumers against dangerous or hazardous or unsafe goods or services
11. Advise the Ministries and Departments of the Central and State Governments on consumer welfare measures
12. Issue necessary guidelines to prevent unfair trade practices and protect consumers' interest 

Rules on Composition of Central Council, their term, etc. were also notified in this notification. 

[READ NOTIFICATION]