On March 15, consumer rights are commemorated and celebrated worldwide.

All over the world, a number of activities will be organised on Tuesday not only to commemorate but also to support and promote consumers’ basic rights.

This year, the Consumer and Competition Department has chosen ‘Strengthening trust between consumers and traders’ as the theme to highlight the need to build trust in the marketplace for the benefit of both consumers and traders.

Consumers and traders can start trusting each other when both become increasingly aware of their rights and obligations, and act accordingly. The information and education of consumers and traders plays a crucial role in the achievement of this objective.

Such education will, in fact, be one of the main functions of the Office for Consumer Affairs under the new Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

Traders should, for instance, know that when they sell goods which are not in conformity with the description and specifications agreed in the contract of sale, they are legally liable to provide consumers with a remedy.

The remedies available under the Consumer Affairs Act are repair or replacement, or failing these, part or full refund of the money paid for the product purchased.

When it comes to choosing which remedy to go for, the inconvenience caused to the consumer may be a determining factor.

While traders should be aware of their legal obligations to avoid complaints from customers, consumers should also be conscious of their responsibilities to avoid making unjustified requests for compensation.

Unfounded complaints may also generate bad feelings and break up any trust between consumers and traders.

One of the main responsibilities consumers have is to ensure that they have the proof of purchase of the goods and services they buy.

Such proof should be kept for any future usage. Furthermore, consumers should use products according to instructions provided in the instruction booklet, and only for their intended purpose.

Guarantees and consumer rights will be discussed at a conference being organised by the Consumer and Competition Department to mark this year’s World Consumer Rights Day.

This conference will also focus on the new authority, the way it will be structured and how it will operate.

One of the key functions of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority will be that of promoting good business practices.

This will not only benefit consumers by protecting them against foul play, but it will also safeguard honest and fair traders, who will see their business grow and succeed over competitors who resort to unfair trading practices.

The conference will be addressed by Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers and Fair Competition Chris Said, together with other speakers.

Those interested in attending may call 2144 6284 or send me an e-mail at the address below. Seats are limited and booking is on a first-come-first-served basis.

The public is also invited to an afternoon of activities today between noon and 6 p.m. at the Ta’ Qali picnic area (adjacent to the BoV Adventure Park). Activities will include games, music, drama, sports, traditional food and crafts. Entrance is free.

Information material on consumer rights will be available and any questions can be directly asked to officers from the Consumer and Competition Department.

The Malta Standards Authority, the Consumer Affairs Council, Dolceta, and the European Consumer Centre Malta will also be present.

Students who participated and won competitions organised by the Consumer Affairs Directorate within the Consumer and Competition Department will be officially presented with prizes.

customer@timesofmalta.com

odette.vella@gov.mt

Ms Vella is senior information officer, Consumer and Competition Department.

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