Commission clarifies stand in investigating complaints

THE Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC) can only investigate complaints made by consumers on goods if the law seen to be broken falls under its authority, says chief executive officer Paulus Ain.
Ain told The National that this was because there were some laws covering certain goods that were enforced by other authorities apart from the consumer and competition watchdog.
“There are other governing laws and regulations administered by other government authorities applicable to some consumer goods which do not fall under the ICCC’s jurisdiction,” he said.
“Consumers are encouraged to register their complaints formally at the ICCC office locations in the four regions as this forms the basis of our investigations.
“The complaint must indicate that a consumer product is in violation of the laws or regulations administered by the ICCC or other legislations.
“It must be confirmed that the product may have caused an illness, injury, or death or is alleged to have caused other problems to the consumer.
“Thus, through the Consumer Complaints Handling Process, a formal complaint triggers assessment and possible investigation where applicable.”
Ain said legislative powers in terms of enforcement action was one of the differentiating factors into selection of the type of issues the ICCC could and could not investigate.
“Under consumer protection, the role of the commission under the ICCC Act means it is required to investigate complaints concerning matters affecting or likely to affect the honest interests of consumers.”
Ain said this was in relation to the purchase of goods and services and to enforce compliance with laws relating to such matters and to investigate complaints concerning market conduct and to enforce compliance with laws relating to market conduct in PNG, amongst others.
Ain stressed that the powers of the ICCC was limited to the legislation it followed so not all issues concerning all consumer goods could be addressed by the commission alone.