International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN)
ICPEN is an informal global network of more than 70 consumer protection authorities. The UK is represented by the Competition and Markets Authority.
Role
The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) was founded in 1992, to promote cooperation on consumer protection challenges relating to people buying goods and services from other countries.
ICPEN’s mission is to protect consumers worldwide by encouraging and facilitating practical action between its members. This includes information sharing on market developments and regulatory best practice, as well as coordination and cooperation to tackle market problems.
Organisation
The Presidency of ICPEN rotates each year and was last held by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in 2015 to 2016.
The Presidency is supported by an Advisory Group. The CMA has been on the Advisory Group since 2014.
The Network is also supported by 3 Steering Groups:
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Intelligence
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Enforcement
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Best Practice
The CMA sits on the Intelligence Steering Group, which gathers intelligence and priorities from ICPEN members and assists the Presidency in setting ICPEN’s annual priorities.
The CMA’s work with ICPEN
Each year, ICPEN identifies key priorities, setting up Working Groups to take these forward. Working Groups may publish external guidance, develop internal toolkits or engage with businesses and consumers to effect change.
Working Groups co-led by the CMA:
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Terms and Conditions in the Digital Economy (established under the German Presidency 2016 to 2017)
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Digital Marketing to Children (established under the Zambian Presidency 2018 to 2019)
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Unfair Trading Practices in Online Travel and Tourism Platforms (established under the Colombian Presidency 2019 to 2020)
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Misleading environmental claims 2020 to 2022
Other CMA activities:
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Fraudulent and Misleading Ticket Sales for International Sporting Events (established under the Swedish Presidency 2014 to 2015)
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Online Reviews and Endorsements (established under the UK Presidency 2015 to 2016)
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Dark Patterns and Digital Platforms (established under the Portuguese Presidency 2021 to 2022)
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Alternative Dispute Resolution (established under the Portuguese Presidency 2021 to 2022)
Further information can be found on ICPEN’s website, including information about past, present and future Presidencies and a complete list of ICPEN members, partners and observers.
ICPEN has a complaints portal called econsumer.gov, where you can report breaches by overseas businesses, wherever they are based. Complaints reported help to inform domestic and international enforcement priorities.