Consumers International is organising World Consumer Rights Day 2025, which takes place on March 15, 2025, as a global event to defend consumers against deceptive advertising, hazardous goods, and unfair business practices. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of people’s rights, including the capacity to register complaints and the access to information about the quality, purity, cost, and standards of products.
Meaning of World Consumer Rights Day 2025
- Created in 1983, World Consumer Rights Day is a worldwide celebration held on March 15th to support fair trade policies and consumer rights.
- In his 1962 address to Congress, U.S. President John F. Kennedy listed four essential consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to information, the right to make a choice, and the right to be heard.
- The goal of the day is to guarantee that customers understand their rights and can make knowledgeable decisions about goods and services.
- Kennedy’s 1962 speech outlining fundamental consumer rights served as the impetus for the day.
- It provides a forum for debates on laws that safeguard consumers from deceptive business practices and guarantee that everyone is entitled to safe, superior goods and services.
History of World Consumer Rights Day 2025
- Every year on March 15, World Consumer Rights Day is commemorated to give customers all the information they need to make wise choices regarding goods and services.
- Consumers International, a global federation of consumer organizations established in 1960, was responsible for its creation and coordination.
- With a topic like “Tackling Plastic Pollution,” which promotes sustainable consumerism and behaviors that focus on plastic manufacture and its effects on the environment, the day has gained popularity.
- To spot any fraud or exploitation, it is essential to understand consumer rights. It is also critical to speak out against any transaction that violates these rights and to take legal action.
- Global efforts to put consumer welfare first were strengthened in 1985 when the UN established the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection.
- Every nation in the globe has observed Global Consumer Rights Day since 1985 to combat exploitation, unfair commercial practices, and fraud.
Theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2025
The topic for World Consumer Rights Day in 2025 is “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” highlighting the need to make healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices affordable and available to all. The aim is to assist individuals in meeting their basic needs and rights while making sure that transitions are seamless and protect their needs and rights. The theme is to make these options available and reasonably priced for everyone.
Significance of World Consumer Rights Day 2025
- World Consumer Rights Day is a worldwide occasion that encourages consumer empowerment and protection.
- The worldwide consumer movement and other stakeholders commemorate it every year on March 15th to increase awareness of consumer empowerment and rights.
- The day provides an opportunity to demonstrate against social inequities and market abuses while also calling for respect for consumer rights.
- By granting several rights and strengthening consumer councils, forums, and appellate courts to handle consumer complaints, the 1986 Consumer Protection Act gave consumers more authority.
- To combat unfair commercial practices and avaricious businesses that take advantage of customers, World Consumer Rights Day is crucial.
- It is a day to educate everyone about their rights as customers, including the owners of the businesses we purchase from.
- The world will improve if everyone works together and spreads knowledge about consumer rights.
Consumer Rights Day in India
- On December 24, India commemorates National Consumer Rights Day, which honors the establishment of consumer rights in the nation.
- Several rights are granted to customers under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, including the right to consumer education, safety, information, choice, hearing, and remedy.
- The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 and the E-Daakhil Portal are two examples of the measures the Indian government has taken to strengthen grievance redressal procedures and empower customers.
- The National Consumer Helpline offers toll-free support, while the Central Consumer Protection Authority oversees unfair commercial practices.
- The Bureau of Indian Standards’ accreditation guarantees the quality and safety of consumer goods, while the Jago Grahak Jago Campaign informs customers of their rights.
- Protecting consumer rights is becoming more and more crucial as World Consumer Rights Day 2025 draws near.
Celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2025
Through several activities, such as media involvement, policy discussions, and consumer awareness campaigns, India is actively taking part in World Consumer Rights Day 2025. Workshops, seminars, and exhibits are held by government agencies and groups to inform consumers of their rights and obligations. While media channels spread knowledge about consumer rights, policy discussions tackle contemporary consumer problems and consider potential remedies.
Conclusion
On March 15, 2025, Consumers International will celebrate World Consumer Rights Day 2025, a global event dedicated to protecting consumers from unfair corporate practices, dangerous products, and misleading advertising. The subject, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” encourages environmentally friendly practices and sustainable consumption. India honors the 1986 Consumer Protection Act by celebrating National Consumer Rights Day on December 24.
