India will chair the ninth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, organized by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in Geneva from July 6 to 8, 2026. The meeting underscores India's expanding influence in shaping global consumer protection frameworks.
Key Details of the Meeting
The three-day session at the Palais des Nations will gather representatives from member states, international organizations, consumer protection authorities, academia, and other stakeholders. Discussions will focus on emerging challenges in consumer protection law and policy, including implementation of the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP), consumer information and education, sustainable consumption, enforcement in global markets, and cross-border cooperation.
Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has been invited by UNCTAD to chair the session. She will preside over discussions on key global consumer protection priorities.
Launch of UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety
A major highlight will be the launch of the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025. India will also participate in a high-level fireside chat on the significance of these new principles.
Voluntary Peer Review and Capacity Building
Delegates will conduct a voluntary peer review of Argentina’s consumer protection law and policy. The session will also review recent legal, institutional, and capacity-building developments in consumer protection worldwide.
India’s Active Role in International Consumer Protection
India has emerged as a key player in international consumer protection initiatives. During the Ninth UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection in Geneva in July 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs showcased India’s experience in cross-border consumer dispute resolution through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and its pre-litigation convergence model.
According to the department, the National Consumer Helpline has facilitated refunds exceeding Rs 91.77 crore over the past 14 months by resolving more than 1.47 lakh refund-related grievances across 36 sectors before they entered litigation.
Strengthened Grievance Redressal Framework
The government has also strengthened its consumer grievance redressal framework through e-Jagriti, an AI-enabled digital platform. This platform allows online filing of complaints, virtual hearings, electronic case management, and digital access to proceedings. It also enables Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and consumers abroad to pursue complaints digitally, supporting cross-border dispute resolution.
Officials said India’s chairing of the UNCTAD experts’ meeting reflects its expanding engagement in international cooperation and efforts to strengthen consumer protection frameworks globally.
