Consumer Protection Co-operation Unit (CPC)

In 2006 the European Commission published regulations ((EC) No 2006/2004) on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws. The regulation, referred to as the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) regulation, established a network of authorities across the European Union. Since then, these authorities have worked to address breaches of consumer law where the trader and the consumer are based in different Member States.

In 2017 the European Commission issued new regulations (EU 2017/2394) on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws. This new CPC Regulation builds on the previous regulation and extends the scope of co-operation between the Competent Authorities (CAs) within the network. The regulation introduces new obligations in terms of cooperation, investigations and enforcement of consumer legislation.  

It is expected that the new CPC Regulation will be transposed into Irish Law early next year. The CCPC will have an important new role as a CA, but also as the Single Liaison Office for Ireland (SLO). As the SLO for Ireland, the CCPC will have a central role coordinating the investigative and enforcement activities of the CAs. Therefore, the CCPC will be required to work closely with other competent authorities in Ireland as well as those in other European countries and with the European Commission.  

The CPC Unit within the CCPC will lead on this new role, building key stakeholder relationships at national and international level. The CCPC’s vision is for open and competitive markets where consumer are protected and businesses actively compete. The new CPC Regulation reflects the evolving consumer landscape and the CPC Unit will be key to ensuring that the CCPC is able to deliver on these new obligations while continuing to work towards our vision.