Consumer Research and International Affairs
White Paper on Consumer Affairs
The Consumer Affairs Agency researches and analyzes consumer issues for better consumer policy. For example, the CAA conducts a Basic Survey on Consumer Life once a year and has estimated consumer detriment since 2013. The outcomes from such research and analysis are put together, coupled with the progress of consumer policy by the government, and are published in the form of the White Paper on Consumer Affairs on an annual basis.
Promotion of international cooperation
Consumer issues are not only a domestic problem, we often face the same challenges in the digital age.
- For example:
- - As cross-border online transaction are on the rise, we face difficulties in resolving consumer troubles when they occur.
- - "Dark patterns", which refers to practices found in online user interfaces in websites and apps that lead consumers to make choices that may not be in their best interests, have become a challenge both within and outside Japan.
- - If a foreign product is found to have a safety issue, Japanese consumers need to know about it promptly.
Cooperation and collaboration with foreign authorities are essential to quickly identify and accurately address new consumer challenges that emerge one after another, as well as to prevent and resolve cross-border consumer issues.
To this end, the Consumer Affairs Agency exchanges views with foreign authorities through participation in international conferences such as the OECD Committee on Consumer Policy (OECD CCP) and the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (
- 【OECD CCP】
- Established in 1969, the OECD Committee on Consumer Policy (OECD) addresses a broad range of consumer issues and helps public authorities enhance the development of effective consumer policies. About 40 countries are participating.
- 【ICPEN】
- Established in 1992, ICPEN provides a forum for developing and maintaining regular contact between consumer protection agencies and focusing on consumer protection concerns. About 70 countries are participating.
As an example, the "econsumer.gov" project collects and analyzes information on cross-border scams from consumers around the world through a website which is translated into nine languages to raise consumers awareness and to help countries take action.
