India will chair the Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6th July to 8th July 2026, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The session is being organised by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and will bring together member states, international organisations, consumer protection authorities, academia, and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues in consumer protection law and policy.
Intergovernmental Group of Experts: A Key Global Platform
The Intergovernmental Group of Experts is the principal intergovernmental platform for cooperation and dialogue on consumer protection law and policy, the ministry stated. It serves as a forum for member states and other stakeholders to exchange best practices, coordinate enforcement efforts, and develop international guidelines. India's assumption of the chair underscores its active role in shaping global consumer protection frameworks.
India's Leadership Role
Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare, will chair the session. She will preside over the three-day deliberations and guide discussions among member states on key global consumer protection priorities. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution highlighted that this appointment reflects India's commitment to advancing consumer protection at the multilateral level.
Agenda and Deliberations
The session will deliberate on four core areas:
- Consumer information and education – empowering consumers through access to clear and accurate information.
- Sustainable consumption – promoting consumption patterns that are environmentally and socially responsible.
- Enforcement of consumer protection law in global markets – addressing challenges in applying national regulations across borders.
- Cross-border consumer protection – ensuring safeguards for consumers engaged in international transactions.
These topics are particularly relevant for import/export professionals, as cross-border enforcement and global market compliance directly affect international trade operations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Session | Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy |
| Dates | 6th July – 8th July 2026 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Organiser | United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) |
| Chair | Secretary Nidhi Khare, Department of Consumer Affairs, India |
| Topics | Consumer information and education, sustainable consumption, enforcement in global markets, cross-border consumer protection |
Participants and International Cooperation
The session is expected to draw participation from UNCTAD member states, international organisations, consumer protection authorities, and academic institutions. The Intergovernmental Group of Experts provides a unique opportunity for these actors to harmonise approaches to consumer protection, particularly in an era of increasing global e-commerce and digital trade. The ministry emphasised that this platform facilitates cooperation on policy development, enforcement strategies, and capacity building.
India's chairmanship of the 9th Session reinforces its position as a key voice in global consumer protection governance. For trade policy analysts and customs brokers, the outcomes of the deliberations may influence future regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms affecting cross-border trade.
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