Consumer Acquis : study

Cost of Non-Europe Reports identify the possibilities for economic or other gains and/or the realisation of a 'public good' through common action at EU level in specific policy areas and sectors. This Cost of Non-Europe Report seeks to analyse the costs for citizens, businesses and relevant stake-holders of remaining gaps and barriers in the European Single Market, building on and updating the 1988 Cecchini Report, which quantified its potential benefits. This particular study - the fifth in a series - analyses the gaps in European consumer legislation. It provides a qualitative appreciation of the existing legislation, identifying areas where further EU legislative action could be beneficial, and provides tentative estimates of the costs of failure to legislate. It is not intended as comprehensive quantification, but rather as a 'snap shot' of some benefits which could be attained through completion of the consumer acquis.