According to a statement from ANPC (National Authority for Consumer Protection), international cooperation is gaining importance due to the globalization and digitalization of the economy. The number of consumers affected by online frauds and scams is much higher than in traditional forms of commerce.

To create an environment in which consumers can confidently participate in online commerce, it is essential to ensure that consumers have concrete rights and are protected from unfair business practices and that there are mechanisms in place to quickly resolve any issues that arise.

For this purpose, efficient international cooperation between consumer protection agencies or other relevant organizations is essential and requires increased attention in the coming years.

As a result of the efforts made by the National Authority for Consumer Protection to strengthen cooperation with both other European Union member states and internationally, it has initiated the process of joining the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN).

Romania's accession to ICPEN, through ANPC - the sole body responsible for enforcing consumer protection law in Romania, represents the opportunity for cooperation with consumer protection law enforcement authorities worldwide.

In this way, the Authority aims to develop and maintain regular contacts between consumer protection agencies and focus on consumer protection concerns at the international level.

By participating in ICPEN, ANPC can improve its national consumer protection policy, with national laws and regulations conforming to the legal framework of the European Union.

In this context, ANPC represented Romania at the ICPEN meeting held from October 3 to October 6, 2023, organized in Warsaw by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection of Poland, which assumed the role of the rotating presidency of ICPEN for the 2023-2024 period.