The new Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has been asked with striking a balance between the interests of consumers and traders while increasing consumer confidence and sales.

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue Chris Said said the authority’s priority was creating a trust mark granted to traders who abide by a set of criteria that consumers can trust when purchasing from them.

Moreover, it will embark on an information campaign on consumer rights, as well as transforming the authority into a one-stop-shop for consumer affairs.

Addressing the authority’s board members at their first meeting since the law came into effect last Monday, Dr Said said its purpose was to strengthen trust between consumers and traders and ensure markets functioned better.

The authority brings together the Malta Standards Authority, the Consumer and Competition Department and the Malta National Laboratory.

Dr Said insisted consumers had a right to be better informed on their rights. They also had a right to choose and to redress when there was abuse.

The authority has four independent departments focused on competition policy, consumer affairs, technical regulation and standards and metrology.

He said the authority would be drawing up policies and promoting best practices. It may also name and shame businesses which do not respect decisions of the consumer claims tribunal.