Published: 20 May 2010

The RIGHT to satisfaction of basic needs: To have access to basic essential goods and services; adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation.

The RIGHT to be informed: To be given the facts needed to make an informed choice, and to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and labelling.

The RIGHT to get truthful and honest information about the goods and services which are purchased.

The RIGHT to choose between products of different qualities and prices, which are required to satisfy our needs: Personal demands, taste and others factors, of course, affect prices.  It is the consumer’s right to choose a level of quality and performance equal to the price which he/she is prepared to pay.

The RIGHT to safety in goods and services bought: The right to expect that household products and children’s toys, when used according to manufacturer’s instructions, will not explode, set houses on fire, or cause personal harm or injury in any way.

The RIGHT to be heard: To complain to a retailer if one is dissatisfied about a product or service. To have consumer interests represented in the making and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services.

The RIGHT of redress: means the right to a fair settlement of just claims.  It includes the right to receive compensation for misrepresentation or shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

The RIGHT to Consumer Education: means the right to acquire the knowledge and skills to be an informed and assertive consumer.

The RIGHT to a Healthy Environment: means the right to a physical environment that will enhance the quality of life.  It includes protection against environmental dangers over which the individual has no control.

Published: 20 May 2010

Along with knowing their rights, it is the responsibility of each and every consumer to ensure that they are protected.

The Consumer has the RESPONSIBILITY to protect himself/herself  by:

• Shopping carefully and wisely
• Understanding the terms of the sale
• Reading and following instructions
• Getting guarantees in writing
• Saving receipts
• Asking questions at point of sale

Keeping informed about new products

Read more ...

Published: 20 May 2010

Services offered by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Division

1. Import License

The provisions of the Import and Export Control Regulations govern the processing of import and export licenses, and stipulate that importers must obtain a license issued at the discretion of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs before certain products are imported into St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There are approximately seventy five (75) items for which import license must be obtained prior to importation. The processing of import licenses is done on a daily basis. A stamp duty of XCD5.00 is applied to each application.

2. Export License

Licenses are issued for the exportation of Conch and Lobster. Conch can be exported at any time of the year. Licenses for lobster are only granted during the period allowed by law for the harvesting of this product which is September 1st – April 30th.

3. Price Control

There are approximately 65 items that are subject to the price control provisions of the Price and Distribution of Goods Act.

4. Consumer Protection

This arrangement is the genesis for the institutionalizing of Consumer Affairs and Consumer Protection. The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Division seeks to promote consumer interests through policy guidelines and appropriate legislation in an attempt to minimize conflict and to create a fair trading environment by reforming and reviewing the existing consumer Legislations and Regulations.