THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has warned errant businesses to stop violating disclaimer clauses following reports that some companies are still denying customers refunds and not accepting returns for defective goods.
In an interview, CPC research and public affairs manager Kudakwashe Mudereri said their mandate was to protect customers from fraudulent conduct and promote fair business practices.
Government, in 2019, enacted the Consumer Protection Act, which led to the establishment of the CPC which states that consumers have rights.
“These include the right for redress and right to choose, for example, section 42, which talks about disclaimer clauses, it is now an offence to put disclaimer clauses on shops like saying no refunds, no returns, no exchange, if one buys a product and feels unhappy with it, the law protects him or her; they can go back to the shop with the product. Businesses have two options, either they give them a refund or a replacement,” Mudereri said.
He said CPC was working on the regulations to specify the level of fines for non-compliance, adding that the organisation had started by focusing on educating the business community so that they know their obligations to consumers.
“Consumers need to be given receipts, they need to check quality, and should ask questions as to how the products that they would have bought work,” he said.
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Mudereri said CPC sought to promote consumer confidence, awareness and a culture of consumer responsibility through individual or group education.