Globalization And Import Risks

Delocalization of production and diversification of the sources of offer in the global market place the issue of protection of consumer rights in major consumption centres, namely the European Union in a new light. A review of policies for the protection of consumer rights in the EU, USA and China, reveals major differences regarding the protection of consumer rights and the existence of gaps, and in particular the implementation of effective legislation in this regard. As such, the risks associated with imports have become a major concern in the European Union. The consumer has - one can say - a central role in the globalization process, which justifies the measures aimed at its protection. Although worldwide there are major differences in the degree of market regulation in matters of protection of consumer rights, the trend is the continuous adaptation of the offer to the requirements of global demand. However, one can still find significant gaps which translate into risks specific to the consumers in developed countries, namely in the EU. An important issue arises from this radical change of the localization of production centres in relation to the main consumption centres. While in the developed world, consumer rights protection has reached high levels both by creating an appropriate legislative framework and through consumer awareness and activism regarding their rights, in areas where much of the offer comes from the Western market (China, India, etc.) modern mentality on the protection of consumer rights is just emerging. A major requirement is therefore the provision of a status of the consumer compatible with the benefits and risks of globalization, a status defined by safety and protection of imports. This paper confirms the thesis that, ultimately, the main factor counteracting the risks in matters of protection of consumer rights is the consumer, its awareness of its rights.