Regulatory convergence as a strategy to mitigate technical barriers to trade and protect the digital consumer in Mercosur

Abstract

Globalization and the advancement of technology have transformed the scenario of international trade, bringing with them challenges and opportunities for economies around the world. In the context of Mercosur, an emerging strategy has been regulatory convergence, which aims to harmonize technical standards and regulations among member countries as a tool to mitigate technical barriers to trade and protect the digital consumer. The divergence of technical regulations, certifications and standards can hinder the movement of goods and services between member countries. Regulatory convergence offers a solution, as it promotes the adoption of common technical regulations and standards, facilitating market integration and ensuring the quality and safety of products and services. It makes it possible to establish common standards for data security, privacy protection and consumer rights in a digital environment. The study seeks to answer how regulatory convergence can contribute to creating an environment of trust for digital consumers in Mercosur. Using the hypothetical-deductive method, the objective of the research is to demonstrate the benefits of harmonizing the legislation of member countries to protect digital consumers, reduce barriers to trade and promote e-commerce, and intra-bloc trade in general. Legislative harmonization in Mercosur is an essential strategy to promote economic integration and competitiveness, while ensuring the quality and safety of products and services, guaranteeing a positive experience for the digital consumer in the region.