소비자단체의 소비자기본법상 지위 - 소비자단체제도의 연혁적 고찰을 통한 現狀 진단과 과제 -

Abstract

This article aims to explain the characteristics of consumer organizations under the current law and the status of the organization through the study on the history of consumer organizations, and to suggest perspective on the role of consumer organizations in the future. In short, this article purposes to draw the future perspective from the current characteristics which will be made clear through the study on the history of the consumer organization. Under the Framework Act of Consumers, registered consumer organization occupy more favorable position than the non-registered consumer groups in terms of working performance and the financial support. This registration turns consumer organizations into the so-called "administrative-connected consumer organizations" by linking it to the administration. As a result of it, the registered consumer organizations perform competitively (or complementarily) public activities with Korea Consumer Agency. The current system, focusing on the registered consumer organizations,has effectively contributed to consumer protection and the promotion of the consumers' interests. Supposing that the Framework Act of Comsumers of 2006 symbolizes the transitional process from administration led legislation to market oriented legislation, consumer organizations will also need any efforts to complement the system model covering such future changes. Administration-connected consumer organization system alone would have some limitation to coping with modern consumer issues which are diversified, complicated and specialized. However, at this moment to discuss market oriented consumer legislation, the reestablishment of the role of consumer organizations and their voluntary efforts are more greatly necessary. Individual consumers lack of information and bargaining power voluntarily started out to organize a consumer group for the purpose of realizing their own rights and securing their profits against business. Accordingly, the organizations need to prepare for more professionalism and capacity with which they are available to fight against business groups in the market.