Draft Consumer Protection Bill
Background
This is the 3rd draft of the Consumer
Protection Bill approved by cabinet in December 2007. It emanates from comments received after extensive
consultations on the 1st and 2nd draft. The 3rd draft has been
reviewed and certified by state law advisors. The notice for introduction of the Bill into
Parliament has been gazetted.
Comments on the 3rd draft have closed and stakeholders will be provided an
opportunity to comment on the draft once it is tabled in Parliament.
The Portfolio Committee of Trade and Industry will publish the Bill for
comment after which public hearings will be held on dates still to be
determined by Parliament.
the dti initiated a review of the consumer legislative framework
that culminated in the publication of a draft green paper on consumer policy
framework in 2004. The policy seeks to provide a broad framework for consumer
protection in South Africa. In particular, to promote consistency, coherence
and efficiency in the implementation of consumer laws. In order to achieve
these policy objectives the dti has formulated the Bill.
Download:
Any questions or enquiries must be submitted to:
Ms Nomfundo Maseti
Director: Consumer and Competition Policy
Tel: 012 394 1810
Fax: 012 394 2810
E-mail: NMaseti@thedti.gov.za
The objectives of the Policy and the Bill are to:
Promote:
- A fair, accessible and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services
- Responsible consumer behaviour
- A consistent enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions and agreements
Prohibit
- certain unfair marketing and business practices
Provide for
- Improved standards of consumer information
- Harmonisation of laws relating to consumer transactions and agreements; and the
- Establishment of the National Consumer Commission
Background
the dti commissioned research to assist in providing guidelines in the
establishment of a new legal environment through which consumers will be
granted rights that can be enforced and protected.
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