Regulators Focus On Consumer Law Enforcement In Response To COVID-19 Crisis

Whilst businesses face unprecedented pressure in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, consumer law regulators have acted swiftly to (i) remind businesses that consumer laws continue to apply, (ii) enhance consumer protections, (iii) investigate suspected breaches, and review the ability of providers of the day-to-day services we rely on to ensure service continuity during the crisis. For example:

• On 23 March 2020, the Irish consumer and competition regulator (the CCPC) published a reminder to businesses that consumer law requirements remain in place. The CCPC stated that it is actively monitoring compliance with consumer law requirements, noting that there is a heightened risk in these circumstances that a small minority of traders, in particular of sanitiser / protective products, may engage in practices which are damaging to consumer welfare.