Consumer Affairs Division

Prices Guide

• Draft Policy Paper - Consumer Protection in the 21st Century


• Selected Food Prices


• Prices on Hardware Supplies


• Public Reports

What you should know...

1. The main functions of the Consumer Affairs Division are to:

• Advise consumers on their rights and responsibilities
• Monitor commercial activities to deter adverse trade practices, while identifying issues affecting consumers.
• Receive and investigates consumer complaints.
• Conduct continuous field research into consumer needs/preferences as they relate to goods, services and prices.
• Advocates for consumers through attendance and participation at meetings of advisory bodies; and by testing and rating consumer products.

2. The new consumer legislation is expected to:

• Provide consumers with a higher level of protection and empowerment.
• Foster more effective enforcement and redress.
• Support Government strategies for promoting innovation and growth in the country by removal of barriers to e-commerce.
• Extend protection previously existing for the sale of goods to include the sale of services.
• Introduce current and harmonised consumer laws as part of the CSME agenda.
• Require the provision of information to encourage informed consumer purchasing decisions.

Consumer Tips

• Conduct research on brands, products and services before making a purchasing choice
• Get and keep your receipts in a safe place
• Examine goods and read labels carefully before purchasing
• Obtain and understand a written warranty at purchase and keep it safely
• Complain to the manager of the place of purchase upon encountering a problem with an item purchased

For full details on consumer rights and responsibilities and the services offered by the Consumer Affairs Division : http://www.consumer.gov.tt