...that is in harmony with the principles of consumer protection.  This will be done through the dissemination of basic outlines and principles of consumer protection.  In addition, a technical manual and a procedures manual will be prepared that analyse and present recommendations and proposals to strengthen consumer protection in Costa Rica. It is envisaged that the manual will be widely disseminated to civil society in Costa Rica.

The aim of the technical manual is to facilitate the practical implementation of the recommendations resulting from the study. The document must include essential consumer protection outlines or principles, as well as the experience gained by the Costa Rican Consumer Protection Directorate.  The Procedures Manual will be prepared by a consultant in order to disseminate the knowledge that Costa Rica has in the field of consumer protection, as well as the principles of consumer protection and international experiences applicable to the local environment.

The documentation will serve to attain uniformity in the application of consumer protection's basic principles in the different public institutions in charge of protecting and guaranteeing the inclusion of rules and/or mechanisms for the participation of consumers in the regulating bodies.  It will include practical cases studies from Costa Rica.

It is expected that this activity will conclude at the end of 2005 and will have as an outcome the publication of a descriptive brochure on consumer protection.