Consumer courts Special courts have been established to take care of consumer-related cases. An important feature of these courts is that they do not impose any financial burdens such as fees and duties on the consumer, another feature is that a simple settlement procedure has been implemented, hence disputes are resolved rapidly. These features aim to overcome any unwillingness on the part of consumers to claim their legal rights. Intensive efforts have been made in the past three years. As soon as the law came into force a protocol was signed with the Ministry of Education, making a course in consumer protection mandatory for primary and secondary schools.
Consumer law is now an elective course in law schools.
Some universities now have home economics and consumer policies departments to educate students in these fields. Moreover, intensive campaigns, promoting consumer rights are being run through newspaper adverts and television broadcasts. Consumers are continuously informed through books, pamphlets, brochures and billboard announcements. Prizes were awarded in March 1997 for the first time. A draft law on supplying safe products, conformity assessments and certification has been prepared and is currently on the Parliament's agenda.