On the Work of Local Executive and Regulatory Bodies in Consumer Protection

The primary document regulating legal relations in the field of consumer protection is the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Consumer Protection" (hereinafter referred to as the Law). The Law applies to relations between consumers and manufacturers, sellers, suppliers, representatives, executors, repair organizations, arising from contracts for retail sale, works, lease, insurance, storage, energy supply, commission, passenger carriage, freight carriage, paid services, and other similar contracts.

In addition to this Law, issues of consumer protection are regulated by the Civil Code of the Republic of Belarus, resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, and other documents adopted to develop the Law.

Belarus has signed an agreement on coordinated policy in the Commonwealth of Independent States countries in this area. An Advisory Council for Consumer Protection of the Cis member states has been established. The main objectives of the Council are to promote the development and deepening of cooperation, the formation of effective policies in the field of consumer protection and equal conditions for citizens in the Cis member states, as well as the creation of conditions for the protection of their consumer rights and interests.

An important element of state policy in the field of consumer protection is informational and educational work. Currently, thematic issues of programs are periodically broadcast on republican and regional channels, and print media systematically cover issues related to consumer protection.

In the Republic of Belarus, state bodies carry out consumer protection within their competence. The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of the Republic of Belarus coordinates activities in this area.

Within the region, the state protection of consumer rights and control over compliance with consumer protection legislation is carried out by consumer rights ombudsmen of regional, city, and district executive committees.

Ombudsmen constantly provide advisory assistance to enhance consumer literacy, organize appearances in print media, on television and radio, and ensure the placement of relevant information on stands and official websites, etc.

In addition, consumer rights ombudsmen review citizens' appeals, conduct inspections (monitoring) of legislative compliance, issue orders to eliminate violations, and provide assistance in drafting court claims.

To improve their qualifications and professional level, consumer rights ombudsmen annually participate in seminars conducted by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of the Republic of Belarus.

In the Verkhnedvinsk district, the state protection of consumer rights and control over compliance with consumer protection legislation is carried out by the consumer rights ombudsman for the Verkhnedvinsk district (hereinafter referred to as the ombudsman); coordination of activities is assigned to the economics department of the Verkhnedvinsk district executive committee.

Chief Specialist of the Department, Consumer Rights Ombudsman for the Verkhnedvinsk District, Bykova Yulia Vyacheslavovna, office 15, tel. 6 30 80.

Working hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00 to 17:00, break from 13:00 to 14:00, days off: Saturday, Sunday.

In accordance with Article 43 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of January 9, 2002 No. 90-Z "On Protection of Consumer Rights", local executive and administrative bodies (hereinafter referred to as executive committees) within their subordinate territories are obliged to ensure the protection of consumer rights, including considering citizens' appeals, organizing explanations of legislation and providing consultations to the public on consumer protection issues, applying to court with claims for the protection of consumer rights, suppressing violations of consumer rights, and conducting informational work to educate citizens.

Consumer Protection