The Consumer Protection Act

It has been promulgated and it severely affects the way you do business.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONSUMERS ARE NOW ONE OF THE MOST PROTECTED CONSUMERS IN THE WORLD.
Aimed at providing a legal framework for the protection of consumer rights, The Consumer Protection Act aligns SA legislation with current UN guidelines for Consumer Protection. It draws on a number of existing pieces of legislation and whilst initiated by the DTI and it will be policed by a National Consumer Regulator.

In essence, the Act extensively alters the way in which you can conduct business in South Africa. In many ways, it removes some of the safeguards suppliers have had when dealing with unscrupulous consumers and the provisions may prove to be particularly onerous for South African businesses.

Simply put, the way you are currently trading will have to alter significantly.

YOUR ONE DAY WORKSHOP AGENDA WILL INCLUDE:

DISCOVERING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

• Summarising the main objectives of the CPA

UNDERSTANDING THE 9 FUNDAMENTAL CONSUMER RIGHTS AS DEFINED BY THE CPA

1. Right of Equality in the consumer market
   Example: Did you know you can no longer target particular communities / market segments etc for exclusive or preferential supply of goods or services?
2. Consumer's right to privacy
   Example: Did you know consumers can block approaches from Direct Marketers with potential large fines?
3. Consumer's right to choose
   Example: Did you know consumers can cancel fixed terms contracts if they are not satisfied with the terms - including cell phone contracts!
4. Right to disclosure and information
   Example: Did you know that some information currently displayed on goods labels will have to be changed?
5. Right to fair and responsible marketing
   Example: Did you know that promotional competitions will be strictly governed by a new set of terms and conditions?
6. Right to fair and honest dealing
   Example: Did you know that your terms and conditions must be in plain enough language so consumers from all backgrounds can understand them?
7. Right to fair, just and reasonable terms and conditions
   Example: Did you know that suppliers can no longer request consumers to sign away the liability of the supplier if the Act deems this to be unfair?
8. Right to fair value, quality and safety
   Example: Did you know that the supplier is liable for any harm arising from inadequate instructions or warnings- irrespective of if the harm resulted from producer, importer, distributor or even retailer negligence
9. Supplier's accountability to Consumers
   Example: Did you know that if you issue a voucher, its validity period is now governed by the Act?

BUSINESS NAMES AND INDUSTRY CODES OF CONDUCT

• Discovering how the future and current registration of business names will be affected
• The Key criteria for an acceptable business name
• Industry Codes of Conduct as outlined in the Act

ENFORCEMENT OF THE ACT

• When does the Act come into full force?
• How soon will companies need to start changing the way they operate or face heavy fines?
• How will the Act be enforced, and by whom?
• The new role of the National Consumer Commission
• The Powers the Act grants to support an investigation
• Understanding the many Offences and their Penalties

ENSURING THAT YOUR COMPANY COMPLIES WITH THE ACT

• Communicating the Act's directives to your employees
• Identifying common areas where you and many other companies could be Contravening the Act
• Addressing issues where contravention has occurred
• How your company's policies should be Amended to include provisions from the Consumer Protect Act

Practical Sessions
WE HIGHLIGHT SPECIFIC AREAS OF CONCERN FOR ALL BUSINESSES DEALING WITH CONSUMERS