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.