Welcome to the vzbv!

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations - vzbv - is a non-governmental organisation acting as an umbrella for 42 German consumer associations. We represent the interests of consumers in public and vis-à-vis legislators, the private sector and civil society.

Our goal is to protect and empower the consumer. We do this by lobbying and campaigning at national and European levels, by taking collective legal action on behalf of consumers and by ensuring that our message receives broad media coverage. We also provide professional training for the staff of consumer organisations.

Consumer advice is provided at a regional level by the 16 consumer centres of the German states (Verbraucherzentralen), while product testing is undertaken by our supporting member Stiftung Warentest.

"Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer."
Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, 1776.