A Discussion about the Law on Consumer Protection, the Law on Electronic Communications and the Law on Postal Services at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

Published on June 9, 2014.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić presented today at an extraordinary session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia the Bill on Consumer Protection, the Bill amending and modifying the Law on Electronic Communications and the Bill amending and modifying the Law on Postal Services.

Justifying the new Law on Consumer Protection in the National Assembly of the Republic Serbia, Ljajić said that the new Law would provide sufficient mechanisms and tools to make consumer protections more efficient and effective.

“According to the new Law, consumers who have a complaint regarding purchased goods will be able to seek a refund, replacement or repair six months after the purchase. The refund must be completed within 30 days”, said Ljajić, adding that the deadline for responding to customer complaints will be reduced from 15 to eight days.

Ljajić said that according to the new Law, when buying at a distance, the buyer will have the right to change his mind without explanation within 14 days.

The Minister announced that court fees will be abolished for consumer disputes of less than 500,000 RSD, in order to encourage consumers to fight for their rights through the courts, which has not been the case so far since the court fees were expensive.

This is a comprehensive package which I believe will make the law more effective and efficient, said Ljajić, while explaining the reasons for amending the Law on Electronic Communications and the Law on Postal Services.

The Bill amending and modifying the Law on Electronic Communications provides for the merger of the Republic Agency for Electronic Communications (RATEL) and the Republic Agency for Postal Services (RAPUS) said Ljajić.

Another reason for amending the Law on Electronic Communications is the fact that the Constitutional Court found that certain provisions of that Law are unconstitutional because it allows for a violation of the right to privacy of communication of users of electronic communications, said Ljajić.