Source: European Parliament
The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network[1] of national authorities, facilitated by the Commission, operates to increase compliance with EU consumer legislation, such as the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.
A notable example of a CPC enforcement action concerning online sales of second-hand goods is the one against Vinted, successfully concluded in June 2024.[2]
Following the 2025 sweep on online traders of second-hand goods, national authorities will decide the appropriate follow up in relation to the 185 traders identified for further investigation.
They can require traders to comply with their obligations under the Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU[3] and the Sale of Goods Directive,[4] following respective national procedures.
Although the Commission lacks direct enforcement powers in this field, it plays a crucial role in coordinating many CPC Network activities, such as sweeps, and supporting authorities with clarifications and digital infrastructure (EU eLab).
It also organises regular CPC Network meetings and seminars to enhance knowledge and collaboration across authorities. In addition, consumers have access to different means of individual and collective redress, such as alternative dispute resolution and representative actions.[5]
The power to impose sanctions on traders always lies solely with the national authorities and courts within the current legal framework. To strengthen enforcement and better protect consumers against EU-wide law breaches while ensuring fair competition, the Commission is considering reviewing the CPC Regulation.[6]
- [1] Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004.
- [2] Following a dialogue with the Commission and the CPC Network, Vinted improved its pricing information to bring their practices more in line with EU consumer law. For more, please see: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3292.
- [3] Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 85/577/EEC and Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 64-88.
- [4] Directive (EU) 2019/771 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 and Directive 2009/22/EC, and repealing Directive 1999/44/EC, OJ L 136, 22.5.2019, p. 28-50.
- [5] Directive (EU) 2020/1828 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2020 on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers and repealing Directive 2009/22/EC.
- [6] See p. 17 of the https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0037.