Consumer protection is an important component of every modern marketplace that is effective, efficient, and equitable. A critical mandate of every democratic economy is to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive providers. If the markets were left, unregulated, unscrupulous market practices (big and small) would obstruct the development of a sustainable, honest, and equal economy.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is the primary regulator of consumer-business interaction in South Africa, and was created by government under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to ensure economic welfare of consumers. Consumers play a vital role in the growth of the economy and thus contribute to the national fiscus and the development of the country.
Consumer protection is an important component of every modern marketplace that is effective, efficient, and equitable. A critical mandate of every democratic economy is to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive providers. If the markets were left, unregulated, unscrupulous market practices (big and small) would obstruct the development of a sustainable, honest, and equal economy.
[Read More]The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the SARS (Customs Special Operations) continue to interject imports that are in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). From July 2020 to 31 March 2021, the Commission issued 88 compliance notices to the value of just above R18M. This was after the Commission inspected consignments of goods from different countries that did not meet the labelling requirements of imports as provided for in the CPA. The goods in question include footware, leather, clothing and textile.
[Read More]This report is based on research which explored the experiences and challenges faced by consumers during the period of lockdown in South Africa. It unpacks ways in which consumers’ rights to access goods and services have been subject to regulation in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. Further, it examines policy and practical responses of key institutions such as the National Consumer Commission in safeguarding consumer rights during the same period.
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