The European Commission launched a new database in order to improve access to information on unfair commercial practices. The website provides an extensive overview of national laws transposing the Directive, jurisprudence, administrative decisions and references to relevant literature.

The Directive 2005/29/EC on Unfair Commercial Practices ensures that consumers are not misled or exposed to aggressive marketing. In particular, it lays down harmonised rules for the fight against unfair commercial practices and contributes to a high level of consumer protection. The Directive also aims to ensure, promote and protect fair competition in the area of commercial practices. EU legislation on unfair commercial practices aims at facilitating cross-border trade by creating a single set of rules in the field.

The new website launched by the Commission will contribute to the development of a common understanding of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. The website provides an extensive overview of national laws transposing the Directive, jurisprudence, administrative decisions and references to relevant literature. It will also help national authorities that are enforcing the rules.

Consumer protection legislation guarantees in the EU, that everyone has the right to be treated fairly when buying household goods at the supermarket, paying the bill at the energy supplier or downloading music. The Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European treaties since the Single European Act guarantee a high level of consumer protection in the EU. It is also a general objective defined in Article 12 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.