Consumer rights vital

 THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is urging provincial administrations to ensure the protection of consumers in their regions. 

This follows reports of businesses in Oro, Northern, being shut down following inspections by the provincial government after Governor Gary Juffa received complaints from consumers.

A statement from the commission said provincial administrations needed to get their town managers and authorities to enforce laws and regulations.

“They (provincial administrations) have the power to act on these matters but for reasons only known to them, they choose not to,” the commission said.

“The East New Britain provincial government funded a joint stakeholder enforcement exercise comprising government agencies including the police, ICCC, PNG Power, PNG Customs Services and IRC.

“This resulted in shop inspection and incineration of expired goods, non-English label goods, sub-standard electrical appliances and power supply items.”

ICCC said there was a misconception that the commission was responsible for everything which came under consumer protection. 

The commission said it did not have the jurisdiction to investigate and penalise retailers from selling expired goods, adulterated-foul food or for preparing food in a poor-sanitation environment.

“It is important to understand that although the ICCC is the main consumer protection agency, it is one of many regulators that strive to ensure some level of consumer protection is enforced in PNG.

“Thus understanding the applicable law and the authority responsible for enforcement is equally vital.”