Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV)

Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV), is a non governmental organisation that acts as an umbrella organisation for 41 German consumer associations. VZBV represents the interests of consumers vis-a-vis the regulators, the private sector and civil society. Its objective is to protect and empower consumers everywhere by means of lobbying and campaigning at the national and European levels, by taking collective legal action on behalf of consumers and by ensuring that all its actions receive broad media coverage. VZBV also provides professional training for its member organisations. Its 16 regional consumer centres give individual advice to consumers while testing of products is carried out by their supporting member, Stiftung Warentest, also a member of Consumers International.