The project helped to set up a global, co-ordinated and efficient market surveillance system in the Slovak Republic in order to strengthen the administrative capacity of market surveillance authorities in enforcement of consumer protection laws, to help to create more active participation of NGO’S in consumer policy and consumer protection issues.
The main focus of the project was to improve the overall system of market surveillance in the Slovak Republic. This implied further coordination of efforts between existing authorities, customs bodies as well as the active participation of NGOs and non-governmental actors, such as lawyers, economic operators etc. The project was also intended to help improve administrative capacity of the existing market surveillance authorities in the non-food sector. This also necessarily included extensive training on a range of issues including consumer protection legislation, new approach directives, market surveillance practices etc.
Furthermore, non-governmental consumer groups developed their professional skills and experience in the sector. The project gave basis for such development, including seminars on consumer protection and training on methods of negotiation in order to protect consumers’ interests.
Project outputs were structured according to three components:
1. Training seminars, workshops and roundtables for administrative officials and members of consumer NGOs and entrepreneur associations. This training focuses on the New Approach Directives of the EU, as well as consumer protection Directives and legislation and the RAPEX and EHLASS systems to build the capacity of the national participants in related issues;
2. Consists of internships in EU countries for Slovak administrative officials to allow for hands-on experience to be developed;
3. Component III consists of the production of a Manual and CD for Slovak NGOs and consumer associations as well as the design and development of a Web Site to promote communication and awareness.