Consumer protection a fundamental right

The Saudi Consumer Protection Association (CPA), which is a consumer redressal forum, should be made into an independent body to effectively deal with complaints pertaining to products and services, say experts.
“If the CPA wants to achieve its objectives, it must work more to receive consumer complaints pertaining fraud, cheating and disinformation. It should then present these complaints to the authorities concerned, as well as support governmental efforts in consumer protection,” economic researcher Ahmad Al-Daiel said.
Some experts said the CPA duties include preparing studies, holding conferences and consumer protection exhibitions, as well as representing consumers at local and international committees of consumer protection.
The experts said the CPA should raise awareness among all segments of consumers through media, websites, mobile apps. They proposed to convert the CPA into an independent body, financially and administratively to discharge its duties more effectively.
The CPA is a member of Consumers International, which is the world federation of consumer groups.