Gift Voucher Charter

In 2020, under the coordination of the Ministry for Consumer Protection, the Union Luxembourgeoise des Consommateurs (ULC), Luxembourg Confederation  and Horesca collaborated to develop a "Gift Voucher Charter" ("Charte Chèques-Cadeaux in french). This charter incorporates a range of best practices in the field.

Objectives of the Charter

The primary goal of this Charter is to ensure transparency and security for consumers while offering clear guidelines for professionals. It recommends that gift vouchers include key information such as the value in euros, the date of issue, the validity period, and any applicable limitations. Additionally, the Charter advocates for a minimum validity period of two years, providing greater flexibility for consumers. 

Benefits for professionals

For professionals, adhering to this Charter offers several benefits. It strengthens consumer trust, as customers will know that the establishment follows recognized standards of transparency and service. By maintaining high standards, professionals can also differentiate themselves positively from competitors.

Adherence to the Charter is simple and free. Interested professionals can contact Luxembourg Confederation or Horesca to receive the Charter. In return, they will be provided with a sticker to display in their premises, signaling their commitment to these best practices. Additionally, smaller stickers with a QR code will be given for affixing to the gift vouchers, allowing recipients to easily access all relevant information about the Charter.

For professionals who are already members of the Charter, they simply need to contact Luxembourg Confederation or Horesca to receive the stickers. A simple and quick process.

Benefits for consumers

Consumers benefit from several advantages when choosing gift vouchers issued by businesses adhering to the Charter. They have the assurance that the gift vouchers meet validity and transparency criteria, avoiding misunderstandings and frustrations. In case of a dispute, the Charter proposes resorting to the Mediator of consumption before initiating any other procedure, thus strengthening consumer protection by facilitating an amicable and efficient resolution of conflicts.

Thanks to the stickers displayed in the stores, consumers will be able to easily identify the businesses that adhere to the Charter and shop with confidence.

Conclusion

The Gift Voucher Charter represents a significant advancement for consumer protection and the transparency of business practices in Luxembourg. By adhering to this Charter, professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing quality service and respecting consumer rights. This collaborative initiative between the Directorate for Consumer Protection, ULC, Luxembourg Confederation, and Horesca is a perfect example of cooperation aimed at strengthening consumer protection while simultaneously enhancing trust in commerce in Luxembourg.