With the Christmas season underway, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) is urging suppliers to stop displaying “No Refund” signs and to refrain from refusing refunds, returns or exchanges in violation of the Consumer Affairs Act.
The reminder comes amid a rise in complaints and increased consumer activity during the holiday period.
The CCAC, in a press release issued on Monday, stated that it is seeking to curb the rise in consumer complaints by reminding shoppers to safeguard the value of their spending and to exercise their rights under the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) No. 13 of 2011.
The commission also reiterated that suppliers are required to comply with and adhere to the provisions of the CAA.
The commission advised consumers to make shopping lists and research products and services before finalising purchases.
It added that all contracts and agreements should be thoroughly read and understood before signing. Shoppers were also urged to demand receipts for all purchases, as these serve as legal proof required for returns, refunds or exchanges.
According to the CCAC, “All items should be inspected before final purchase, and written warranties of at least six months should be requested.”
It further noted that the return of non-defective goods must occur within seven days of purchase, and the items must remain unused, untampered with, and in their original packaging. Suppliers, in such cases, are permitted to charge up to a 10 per cent restocking fee under the law.
The commission reported that from January 2025 to date, it has received 461 complaints valued at $471,290,072, of which $333,969,282 has already been resolved, with the remaining cases still being pursued.
Consumers seeking assistance are encouraged to call the CCAC at 219-4410/3, WhatsApp 625-0557, or file complaints online at ccac.gov.gy.
