This is a law that protects consumers when they purchase goods or acquire services.
Provisions of the Act:
* The Minister of Commerce can order the recall of unsafe goods and give instructions for compensation by way of refund.
* Consumers must be provided with information regarding the product in English, before making a purchase.
* The consumer should be given
'reasonable' opportunity to verify the quantity of the items being purchased.
* Consumers should be given a proper receipt with information regarding the amount paid for the item, the name and address of the vendor, a correct description of the item and the date of purchase.
* There is an 'implied warranty' on 'used' goods and a commitment to repair all goods where a provider is silent on the provision of a warranty.
* Consumers are not required to sign open-ended commitments that would require them to pay for services that are additionally contracted for.
* Consumers are not to be sold damaged or defected goods or products which can cause illness, bodily injury or financial loss during proper use.
* Persons are prohibited, in the course of conducting business, from making claims which serve to deceive or mislead the public.
* Unless a vendor can prove that the delays in honouring delivery dates were as a result of a reasonable cause, then the law requires that consumers are adequately compensated.
