THE Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (GCCAC) hosted a consumer protection seminar for businesses yesterday at Cara Lodge, in Quamina Street, Georgetown, under the theme ‘The consumer affairs Act: What businesses need to know.’

The host organisation is charged with the responsibility of effectively enforcing the Consumer Affairs Act 2011, which came into effect on September 27, 2011.
The legislation, while providing protection to the consumer, also outlines the legal requirements that apply to every transaction between a consumer and seller.
GCCAC Consumer Affairs Officer, Mr. Clifford Zammett, made a presentation at the forum, on the return of goods and defective goods.
Among the issues discussed was the criteria that need to be met for an unwanted good to be returned and Zammett explained that the commodity must be given back no later than seven days from the date of purchase, should not have been tampered with, and must be in the original package.
He added that the consumer has the right to determine if he/she would desire a refund or to obtain goods of a similar value.
In addition, Zammett pointed out that, if the goods are defective, the consumer can return them at no cost.
GCCAC economist, Mr. Haroon Khan, spoke about warranties, focusing on Part 4, Sections 19 and 22 of the Consumer Affairs Act- Duties of Suppliers.
Among the matters raised by him were the application of the law when dealing with warranties, warranty stipulations and content and the lack of conventionality in the return of defective goods.
GCCAC Consumer Affairs Advisor, Mr. Massimiliano Gangi dealt with unfair commercial practices and included the scope of the application of rules on unfair trade practices, the need for special care for vulnerable consumers and pyramid schemes and special promotions.