timesofmalta.com

Seminar on buying with confidence

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:03:00 +0200

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) is organising a seminar to provide information about the following topics: distance and doorstep selling in Malta and abroad; consumer guarantees; the role of the European Consumer Centres and resolution of cross-border complaints; and market surveillance vis-à-vis the safety of products placed on the European market. The seminar will be held on May 31 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta from 8.30am to 1pm. The presentations will be held in Maltese. Everyone is invited to attend. Entrance is free. Prospective attendees are required to register online at www.mccaa.org.mt or by calling the MCCAA on 2395 2000.

Innovating food products: how can standards ensure consumer protection?

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:04:00 +0200

The ISO/COPOLCO committee on consumer policy will be holding its annual meetings in Malta between tomorrow and Friday on the invitation of MCCAA. On Tuesday, there will be a workshop at the Grand Excelsior Hotel, Floriana, on the theme Innovating Food Products – How Can Standards Ensure Consumer Protection? Consumer product safety has been at the centre of consumer policy for over four decades, during which we have seen an improvement as a result of increased consumer awareness and interest, standardisation and better regulatory controls. New technologies provide clear benefits for product safety. However, at the same time, they also raise challenges in increasingly global, virtual and interconnected markets with complex supply chains. Unsupported product claims, unreliable certification and sourcing are examples of such challenges leading to illicit trade. One specific area which the workshop will discuss is how these challenges and opportunities affect consumer products, focusing on food production and processing technologies. Social Dialogue, Consumers and Civil Liberties Minsiter Helena Dalli will open the workshop. A number of international guest speakers will be...

Disclaimer

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:06:00 +0200

The information published in this page is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned. For more information, call the Office for Consumer Affairs atthe Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority on Freephone 8007 4400.

Non-refundable deposits

Odette Vella — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:05:00 +0200

When asked to pay a deposit, we are often told that deposits are non- refundable. Is this true? Does the law protect us? What precautions can we take to safeguard our money and avoid losing deposits? As consumers, we may find ourselves in various situations where we are asked to pay a deposit, such as when we order something from a shop or when engaging someone to carry out work for us, such as construction, or when booking a holiday. A paid deposit means that there is a commitment by the buyer to continue with the purchase and pay in full when the product or service is delivered, and also a commitment by the seller to provide the product or service ordered. Even though verbal commitments are binding, when sales contracts are concluded it is better to have them in writing. As the ones forking out the money, we must first of all agree with the seller on the amount to be paid and also how the rest of the payment will be made. We should also make sure that the agreed delivery date, or the date when the service will be provided, is clearly written on the contract of sale. What happens if we change our mind? Is it true that we risk losing the deposit paid? Yes, unless otherwise stated...

Weekly consumer advice

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:02:00 +0200

• When consumers change their mind about a sale, they do not only risk losing the deposit but the seller may insist that they continue with the purchase. • Deposits should be refunded when traders do not abide with the terms and conditions of the sales agreement. • When traders fail to observe sales agreements, consumers may also claim compensation for any extra expenses incurred. • It is in the consumer’s best interest to pay the least possible amount of deposit.

How you can get in touch with us

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:01:00 +0200

Office for Consumer AffairsMizzi House,National Road,Blata l-BajdaHMR 9010 Freephone: 8007 4400Tel: 2395 2000General enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mtConsumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mtWebsite: www.mccaa.org.mt Office hours for the general public:Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm European Consumer Centre Malta (For complaints against traders in another EU member state) 47A, South Street,Valletta.VLT 1101 E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mtTel: 2122 1901 Office hours for the general public:Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.