OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting 2024

OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting

Consumers at the centre of the digital and green transitions

8-9 October 2024
OECD Headquarters - Paris, France

Countdown to the first-ever OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting! 

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Consumers play a pivotal role in the global economy,
their spending accounting for 60% of GDP in OECD countries. 

They not only influence innovation and competition but are also central to the digital and green transitions. 

Digital markets have brought consumers numerous benefits, including easy access to goods, services and information from businesses worldwide. However, they have also exposed consumers to new vulnerabilities and significant harm from misleading, unfair and fraudulent commercial practices. These practices include ‘dark patterns’ that manipulate consumer decisions, pervasive tracking, and scams. Additionally, the growing volume of unsafe products sold online has increased the risk of injury and death for consumers. 

Evidence shows that many consumers want to make more sustainable choices. However, obstacles such as unclear, inaccurate, and misleading green claims, as well as a lack of sustainable options hinder their efforts. 

To address these challenges, sound and evidence-based consumer policies need to be in place and adapted to adequately protect consumers from harms and empower them to make informed decisions. Co-ordinated responses are needed at both global level and across relevant issue areas, such as competition, environmental, digital, gender and privacy. 

On 8-9 October 2024, Ministers from OECD countries and invited partner economies, alongside international organisations, businesses and civil society, will gather at the OECD Headquarters in Paris for the first meeting of the OECD Committee on Consumer Policy at Ministerial level.

This event provides an unprecedent opportunity to forge a unified, human-centric approach to capitalise on societal transitions while safeguarding consumers. 
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Key issues

Protecting and empowering consumers in the digital transition



The digital transition has introduced innovative products and convenience for consumers, but also poses risks. A 2021 OECD survey revealed that around 50% of consumers faced issues shopping online, resulting in an estimated financial harm of USD 22 billion across OECD countries. 
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Addressing new consumer product safety risks in a fast-evolving and global marketplace


Growing volumes of banned or recalled products are available for sale online, while those powered by digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the Internet of Things, introduce new consumer risks.
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Protecting and Empowering Consumers in the Green Transition          



OECD research shows a gap between consumer stated desire to go green and their actual choices, with relatively few opting for second-hand or eco-friendly products. A lack of reliable and clear environmental claims, and access to convenient green options, hinder sustainable consumption. 
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Promoting economic growth and development through consumer policy


Consumer policy priorities can vary globally based on attitudes, development needs, and policy maturity. Co-operation among advanced, emerging, and developing economies is essential to leverage policy for growth and development in digital and green transitions.
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Working together to advance consumer welfare



The challenges and opportunities of digital and green transitions transcend national borders, requiring global action. Additionally, sound, evidence-based consumer policy, informed by behavioural insights, is relevant to other areas like competition, privacy, digital, and environmental policy.
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Contacts