Major consumer policies by the Consumer Affairs Agency
Part 2 : Implementation of consumer policy
Chapter 1 : Major consumer policies by the Consumer Affairs Agency
Formulation of the 4th Basic Plan on Consumer Policy
- In March 2020, cabinet decision on the "The 4th Basic Plan on Consumer Policy" was made, targeting 5 years from FY2020 to FY2024.
![[Figure Ⅱ-1-1-1] Overview of the 4th Basic Plan on Consumer Policy](/en/publication/annual_report/2020/img/img_figure_2_1_1_1.jpg "[Figure Ⅱ-1-1-1] Overview of the 4th Basic Plan on Consumer Policy")
The following 4 points are raised in the 4th Basic Plan on Consumer Policy as the ideal society to aim for over the mid-long term through consumer policies.
- - Securing consumers' safety/security
- - Realization of social inclusiveness to leave no one behind
- - Realization of consumer affairs with the aim of creating the future, etc.
- - Establishment of multi-layered systems through collaboration of diverse parties
Amendment to Whistleblower Protection Act
- In March of 2020, the bill to revise part of the Whistleblower Protection Act was submitted to the 201st Diet.
![[Figure Ⅱ-1-3-3] Bill to revise part of the Whistleblower Protection Act](/en/publication/annual_report/2020/img/img_figure_2_1_3_3.jpg "[Figure Ⅱ-1-3-3] Bill to revise part of the Whistleblower Protection Act")
Under the digitalization
- As a result of the rapid development of digital technologies, expansion of the digital market, etc. in recent years, convenience, etc. for consumers have improved. On the other hand, there have been new consumer troubles in consumer transactions, in which digital platforms are involved. In addition, the Consumer Affairs Agency is tackling the new issues on consumer affairs in digitalization.
- The Consumer Affairs Agency has been considering action for digitalization through hosting of study groups with experts, etc.
![[Figure Ⅱ-1-4-1] Action for digitalization: Overall image of consideration by the Consumer Affairs Agency](/en/publication/annual_report/2020/img/img_figure_2_1_4_1.jpg "[Figure Ⅱ-1-4-1] Action for digitalization: Overall image of consideration by the Consumer Affairs Agency")
Promotion of consumer education
- Consider and implement specific policies based on discussions of the Consumer Education Promotion Council so that everyone can be provided with consumer education in various occasions throughout their lives regardless of the area of residence.
- In order to promote practical consumer education in anticipation for lowering the legal age of adulthood, we made suggestions on the future direction, etc. regarding the provision method of consumer education materials and effective dissemination in the Subcommittee for Consumer Education for Young People in July, 2019.
![[Figure Ⅱ-1-5-1] Optimal condition of consumer education materials](/en/publication/annual_report/2020/img/img_figure_2_1_5_1.jpg "[Figure Ⅱ-1-5-1] Optimal condition of consumer education materials")
Efforts to enhance local consumer administration
- In March 2020, the "campaign for strengthening local consumer administration 2020" was formulated, targeting 5 years from FY2020 to FY2024.
![[Figure Ⅱ-1-6-1] Overview of the campaign for strengthening local consumer administration 2020](/en/publication/annual_report/2020/img/img_figure_2_1_6_1.jpg "[Figure Ⅱ-1-6-1] Overview of the campaign for strengthening local consumer administration 2020")
Strategic Headquarters for Frontiers of Consumer Policy
- In July of 2020, the "Strategic Headquarters for Frontiers of Consumer Policy" was established as a new permanent base.
Positioned as a back-up function in case of disaster and bases for work style reform in the Consumer Affairs Agency in addition to being: (1) model project considering nationwide development, (2) research base for consumer policies, and (3) new international affairs base.
![[Figure Ⅱ-1-6-6] Work/structural image of the [Consumer Affairs Argency Strategic Headquarters for Frontiers of Consumer Policy]](/en/publication/annual_report/2020/img/img_figure_2_1_6_6.jpg)
