TIRANA, Oct. 26 /ATA/ – Albania’s draft consumer protection law aims to align national legislation with 15 European Union legal acts, including 14 directives and one regulation, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu said on Monday.
Presenting the bill to parliament’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, Musabelliu said it addressed challenges linked to digitalisation, online trade and demand for sustainable products and services.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen consumer rights through greater transparency in commercial practices, a ban on unfair contract terms and clearer information on prices, product characteristics and contractual conditions.
Key provisions cover online transactions and digital platforms, including transparency in product rankings and disclosure of whether search results are influenced by commercial agreements or paid promotions.
The draft would also allow competent authorities to order the removal of illegal content or block online interfaces when consumer interests are at risk or traders provide misleading information.
Other measures aim to prevent misleading environmental claims by requiring traders and manufacturers to substantiate claims that products are environmentally friendly.
Musabelliu said the bill would strengthen judicial and administrative consumer protection, while recognising the right to have goods repaired after the statutory guarantee period, at reasonable prices.
The legislation also seeks to prohibit so-called dual-quality products marketed as identical to those sold in EU member states but differing in composition or characteristics.
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