CFTC warns consumers, traders over Christmas

Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has called on consumers to be vigilant and exercise their rights during the festive season, warning traders of stiff punishment should they violate consumer rights.

The warning comes in view of the commencement of the festive season to commemorate Christmas and the New Year where usually, consumers go on a shopping spree and at the same time traders announce a range of promotions, including massive discounts on products and services.

CFTC executive director Apoche Itimu, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the commission remains vigilant to protect consumers during this festive season.

She said: “Under the Competition and Fair Trading Act [CFTA] and the Consumer Protection Act [CPA], goods sold to a consumer must be safe, of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, delivered within a reasonable time and must match any description given. If they don’t, the consumer has a right to repairs, replacement or a refund.

“Traders must also be aware that disclaimers that stipulate messages such as ‘no refunds on sale items’, ‘goods once purchased are not returnable’ are unlawful as consumers have the right to return defective products.”

Itimu further warned any trader found engaging in deceptive promotions that they will be fined in accordance with the law.

“We wish to reiterate that consumer rights as provided under the CFTA and CPA are enforceable regardless of the fact that an item or service is purchased on promotion or sale hence traders should ensure correct ingredients, measures or weights are indicated on goods, not supply goods which can cause injury or harm to a consumer and which do not comply with the Malawi Safety Standards,” she said.

Speaking separately, Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) executive director John Kapito cautioned consumers on spending money recklessly.

Kapito, while pointing that Christmas festivities are rare occasions that call for celebration, Cama’s plea to consumers is to spend wisely.

“We have noted that consumers get excited and this pushes them to do things they really do not need. Driven by pressure and excitement, people tend to do the unexpected and come January they find themselves in awkward situations.

“It is important that consumers should really be careful about spending during this period and avoid things out of excitement and pressure from others and advertisers,” he said.