India to Chair UNCTAD Consumer Protection Meeting in Geneva from July 6–8

India set to chairs the Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, it is organized by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This three day meeting set to scheduled from 6th to 8th July, 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, it will brings together the several policymakers, regulators, consumer protection authorities, international organizations to discuss the emerging challenges and strengthen the international cooperation on consumer rights.

What Is the UNCTAD Consumer Protection Meeting?

The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy is the principal international platform for the dialogue and cooperation on consumer protection issues.

This body operates under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP) and it provides member states with an opportunity to,

• Exchange the best practices
• Review the consumer protection policies
• Discuss emerging market challenges
• Strengthen international cooperation
• Promotes the effective enforcement of consumer laws

India to Lead the Ninth Session

UNCTAD has asked India to serve as Chair of the Ninth Session of the IGE, confirming that India is becoming increasingly important in global consumer policy governance.

The head of the Indian delegation is Nidhi Khare, Secretary to the Department of Consumer Affairs. She will lead the delegates over the three days of discussions and assist member countries in identifying a group consensus.

As Chairperson of the IGE, Ms. Khare will facilitate conversations addressing the global issues that require coordination and consensus and will supervise how recommendations from the IGE session can be adopted.

Key Points of the IGE meeting

Launch of UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety

The most notable event of the IGE will be the official launch of the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety.

The UN Principles were adopted by the UN Assembly in December 2025 and provide a global framework of standards concerning product safety, consumer protection and cooperation among regulators.

India will also participate in a high-level forum entitled “Why the Principles Matter” to inform participants about the importance of the newly adopted global standards.

Argentina Peer Review

The meeting will facilitate voluntary peer review of Argentina’s laws regarding consumer protection as well as ways for Member States to share experience and identify best practices and improve consumer protection policies in their countries.

At the same time, delegates will review new types of legislation, institutional reform and capacity-building, and approve a report with a provisional agenda for the next meeting.

India’s Leadership in Consumer Protection

In the recent years, India has provided a very active role in international conversations about the consumer protection.

In the July 2025, the United Nations held its 9th Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection in Geneva. India showcased its innovative methods for solving the disputes across national borders.

The Department of Consumer Affairs pointed out the successful use of the National Consumer Helpline as well as its model of pre-litigation convergence to reach agreements between consumers before a court case is initiated.

Achievements of the National Consumer Helpline

To date,

• Over 147,000 refund-related grievances were successfully resolved.
• Over Rs. 917,700,000 in refund claims have been issued.
• There were 36 total different sectors covered in the cases reported.
• All of this data was from the previous fourteen months’ worth of reports.

The above-mentioned initiatives have provided significant improvement in terms of consumer access to justice while decreasing litigation.

e-Jagriti: An AI-Based Indian Consumer Grievance Platform

India’s consumer dispute resolution system has been further strengthened with e-Jagriti’s development. E-Jagriti is a digitally-driven solution, powered by artificial intelligence, and designed to expedite consumer complaint processes.

Some of the main features of e-Jagriti are,

• Filing of consumer complaints online
• Ability to conduct virtual hearings
• Digital case management
• Access to court proceedings electronically
• Services powered by AI
• Supporting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Ability to resolve cross-border consumer disputes online.

The e-Jagriti platform showcases India’s commitment toward enhancing consumer access to justice through efficient, transparent and rapid management through the use of digital technology.