System for comparative testing of products with participation of stakeholders from the disclosure of consumers’ information in Bulgaria (Система за независими сравнителни продуктови изпитвания с участието на заинтересовените страни от представяне на потребителска информация в България)

The paper discusses the possibilities for establishing a system for independent comparative tests of products on a national level with the participation of stakeholders in the provision of consumer information. The method of “in-depth interview” was used for the purposes of the survey. Interviews were conducted with 23 people - representatives of stakeholders from a system of independent comparative product tests: experts from the central government, representatives of the business and the sectoral organisations, non-governmental organisations, consumers’ associations, representatives of the media and the specialized editions, consulting and certifying companies and educational organisations (universities), scientific research institutions and others. The participants’ views for generating and providing of independent information through consumers’ comparative testing of products in Bulgaria are analyzed and summarized. On the basis of the expressed statements (content analysis) conclusions are drawn for the purpose, scope, prerequisites for establishing a system for independent comparative product tests on a national level as well as opportunities for European and international cooperation in this field.