The European Consumer Centre (ECC) Cyprus achieved a consumer satisfaction rate of 94.44 per cent for its case-handling services in 2023, according to its annual report.

The majority of complaints (54 per cent) were related to the product categories of clothing and footwear, followed by transportation at 22 per cent and other categories at 15 per cent.

In terms of purchase methods, e-commerce transactions accounted for the largest share of complaints (50 per cent), while 48 per cent were related to purchases in physical stores, and 1 per cent each concerned online platforms and other types of transactions.

During 2023, ECC Cyprus processed 606 information requests and 710 cross-border complaints, marking a significant 33 per cent increase compared to 2022.

Approximately 65 per cent of these cases were resolved successfully, in collaboration with ECC offices in other EU member states, through out-of-court settlements satisfactory to all parties involved.

Furthermore, the report highlighted the centre’s effective mediation skills and high legal expertise, with only 7 per cent of cases being referred to other alternative dispute resolution bodies.

“The high level of consumer satisfaction reflects the consistent quality of our services,” the centre said in the report.

What is more, under the ‘Safe Online Shopping’ education programme, over 710 primary school pupils benefitted from training sessions.

In addition, ECC Cyprus representatives participated in television and radio programmes to inform the public about consumer rights, focusing particularly on air transport and e-commerce issues.

Operating under the Consumer Protection Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, ECC Cyprus reported that it “fulfilled its 2023 objectives effectively”.

It also said that it “bolstered consumer protection by providing continuous access to the EU-wide alternative dispute resolution mechanism”.