Section 1: Tasks and powers

The National Consumer Council is a consultative body reporting to the Minister responsible for consumer affairs. Its purpose is to enable debate and consultation between the public authorities, representatives of consumer defence associations and representatives of professional organisations as well as companies carrying out public service missions, on all matters relating to consumer problems. It also has the task of enabling the appointment of mediators covered by the provisions of…

Agreements between professional organisations or public and private service providers and consumer protection associations may be negotiated within the framework of the National Consumer Council.

The public authorities consult the National Consumer Council, as and when necessary, on the broad outlines of their policies that concern consumers and users and, in particular, during discussions on European texts that have an impact on French consumer law. The conditions under which these issues are examined are defined in the order laying down the Council’s rules of procedure. The Council’s opinions relate to issues concerning the consumption of…

The Minister responsible for consumer affairs shall ensure that the opinions of the National Consumer Council and, where appropriate, any dissenting opinions are made public.If so requested by at least one third of the members of a college, details of the votes of that college shall also be made public.The National Consumer Council shall draw up an annual report on its activities, which shall be made public.