Unfair Commercial Practice Directive: Remedying Economic Torts?

P. Gilliker (ed.) Research Handbook in EU Tort Law (Edward Elgar 2016) 293-318

19 Pages Posted: 28 Apr 2019

See all articles by Christine Riefa

Christine Riefa

Brunel University - Brunel Law School

Severine Saintier

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: 2016

Abstract

The aim of the UCPD is to harmonise the laws on unfair commercial practices and with it bring adequate remedies for consumers victim of such practices. The text provided for maximum harmonisation, yet, the implementation raised considerable difficulty across Europe over the manner in which to transpose the text. One particular problem was that of enforceability which this chapter explores. While in the UK, the implementation appears to be positive some criticisms can be raised as to the application of the UTRs which come to fill a gap in the ‘tort family’ and simplifies actions to stop unfair commercial practices. In particular, the general approach of the UTRs in combatting unfair commercial practices is attractive compared to the ‘punctual approach’ of tort. It is important to note however that in the UK very few cases have been heard by the courts and thus only the tip of the iceberg seem to be taken care of. All cases also stem from administrative action and not yet from the right of private redress open to consumers. But it bodes well for any private action to see the way judges have received and used the UTRs. It is therefore possible to anticipate that the UTRs can remedy economic torts, should consumers be able to bring their cases to court. This of course is contentious given the restrictions imposed on the right of private action and the usual obstacles consumers face when trying to access justice.

Keywords: UCPD, Torts, Consumer Protection, Enforcement, Consumer, Access to Justice, Right of Private Action, UTR, UK, EU, Unfair Commercial Practices

Suggested Citation

Riefa, Christine and Saintier, Severine, Unfair Commercial Practice Directive: Remedying Economic Torts? (2016). P. Gilliker (ed.) Research Handbook in EU Tort Law (Edward Elgar 2016) 293-318, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3361096

Christine Riefa (Contact Author)

Brunel University - Brunel Law School ( email )

Kingston Lane
Elliott Jaques Building
Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/christine-riefa

Severine Saintier

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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