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Consumer protection

Find out how EU policies and laws protect and empower European consumers when they buy goods and services in the Union.

EU citizens enjoy some of the strongest consumer rights in the world.

The EU has been protecting consumers for more than 50 years, whether they are buying a product in a shop, taking a train ride or opening a bank account.

A man with a blue umbrella and a woman with a blue raincoat protecting themselves from bar code stripes evocating rain drops.

Consumer rights

Strong shopping rights, including a two-year guarantee and the right to withdraw.

Protection of citizens and passengers travelling inside or outside the EU.

Reduced costs when travelling abroad and calling within the EU.

Basic rights when using financial products and services.

Consumers in the green transition

The EU wants to prevent companies from making misleading environmental claims and ensure that consumers have the right to request that manufacturers repair broken products.

A man and a woman repairing products.

Safe products

The EU aims to ensure that only safe products are placed on the European market and that risky products can be removed swiftly.

Protection of users' rights online

The EU is actively working on improving the digital environment for the benefits of all Europeans.

Our digital life needs to be safe, easy and respectful of basic freedoms.

A woman typing on a computer, a finger pressing a button and a security lock.

Latest explainers

Aerial view of a four-lane flyover crossing over a motorway, with several green cars driving along each road.
Road transport

Road transport

A man and a woman standing side by side, each holding a suitcase and wearing backpacks, ready to travel.
Consumer protection: travel rights

Consumer protection: travel rights

Two large aeroplanes seen from the front, one of which is on a runway in the foreground while the other comes in to land in the distance.
Air transport

Air transport

Last review: 15 April 2026