About us

Consumers International (CI) is the world federation of consumer groups that, working together with its members, serves as the only independent and authoritative global voice for consumers.


With over 220 member organisations in 115 countries, we are building a powerful international movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere.

Founded in 1960, we are fighting for a fair, safe and sustainable future for all consumers in a global marketplace increasingly dominated by international corporations.

CI is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and registered in the UK (company no. 4337865). We are also a registered UK charity (no. 1122155).


Our vision

CI is working to put the rights of consumers at the heart of decision-making.

Our vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and sustainable goods and services, and where the strength of our collective power is used for the good of consumers throughout the world.


Our principles

There are eight basic consumer rights which define and determine our principles:

  • The right to satisfaction of basic needs
  • The right to safety
  • The right to be informed
  • The right to choose
  • The right to be heard
  • The right to redress
  • The right to consumer education
  • The right to a healthy environment.

You can find out more about this on our Consumer Rights page.


Our Work

CI campaigns on the international issues that matter to consumers everywhere. This means achieving real changes in government policy and corporate behaviour while raising awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.

We seek to hold corporations to account and demands government action to put consumer concerns first.

We are committed to acting as a global watchdog: campaigning against any behaviour that threatens, ignores or abuses the principles of consumer protection.

We do this by:

  • Working with national member organisations to influence governments, highlight marketplace abuses and raise grass roots support.
  • Pressing consumer concerns through our official representation at global bodies such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), International Organization of Standardization (ISO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
  • Raising awareness about purchasing choices through clear, engaging and accessible communication.

We are also committed to advancing consumer rights by building better consumer organisations around the world. Our capacity building projects stretch the globe, helping organisations develop their own in house skills, knowledge and expertise.

You can get a more detailed understanding of what we do and who we are the Our Work section, and on our FAQs page.

Print    Share
We support & represent
over 220 organisations all around the world
Please 'Like' our Facebook page
50 years of Consumers International
Our video channel on Youtube
CI Blog
GoView more options