The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has called for wider competition in the sale of school uniforms, and simpler designs.

In a report and recommendations issued today, the authority acknowledged the complaints of any parents about high prices. 

Parents were considered to be in a vulnerable position as they had little choice on price, quality and retailer, it said.

This lack of choice stemmed from the fact that many schools had specific uniforms, particularly in the case of church and independent schools, and exclusive arrangements with suppliers and retailers.

Exclusive arrangements for particular school uniform items should be the exception rather than the norm.- Authority

On the basis of its study, the office made a series of recommendations on how competition in the market for the supply of school uniforms may be improved. 

The Office recommended that school uniform designs should be kept as simple as possible, avoiding any unnecessary elaborate designs or unusual colours, complicated patterns, embroidered school names and piping. A distinct school identity could for instance be retained through separately sold school badges.

School uniform items which did not have to be specific to the school, such as shirts, skirts, trousers and physical education apparel, should be purchased from any general retailer who wished to offer uniforms for sale.

Exclusive arrangements for particular school uniform items should be the exception rather than the norm and any such agreements should be reached after an open, transparent and non-discriminatory bidding process which would seek to enhance price competition and quality standards, the report said.

It said that such arrangements should preferably be at wholesale level to create competition at retail level.

Schools should be ready to make available to retailers the colour codes and the patterns/designs of uniform items on request.

Parents should also be offered the possibility to purchase material, in which case patterns and designs should be made available to parents.

Schools should ensure that the patterns and designs are owned by the school and not by the individual suppliers.

Schools should also constantly consult and engage parents in discussions on their uniform policy.

Parents should especially be consulted when the school intended to change its school uniform design.

Comments on the document may be submitted until October 26.

A copy of the report can be found at

https://secure2.gov.mt/consumer/consultations?l=1 .

Hard copies are available at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, Office for Fair Trading, Cannon Road, Sta Venera.