EU Consumer notion (Regulation 1215 consumer notion versus consumer protection Directives)

Alicia Arroyo Aparicio

Keywords

Consumer notion; Consumer protection Directives; European Regulation 1215; average consumer.

Abstract

Comparing the consumer notion under European Regulation 1215/2012 (and the background of this regulation) and these used by consumer protection Directives face some commercial or contractual practices, it appeared that they are similar, although not identical. In the case of Directives, it is first and foremost a functional concept (“elastic concept”) and — as it is known- 'consumer' means any natural person who, in contracts covered by this Directive, is acting other than in the exercise of his trade, business, craft or profession. A comparative analysis in these two contexts is provided, being finalized with some conclusions about the consumer notion in the European Law.