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The Consumer Code

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The Consumer Code

Earlier today, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition published the draft Consumer Goods and Services Industry Code of Conduct ("the Draft Code") for public comment and simultaneously issued an invitation for the public to comment on the Draft Code in terms of the Consumer Protection Act.

9 May 2025 1 min read Consumer Goods, Services & Retail Alert Article

In terms of the invitation, the public now have 45 calendar days (until 23 June 2025) to provide written inputs on the Draft Code.

The purpose of the Draft Code (in its present form) is stated to be to regulate the interactions between consumer goods and services providers and consumers themselves and to provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Amongst a wide range of requirements, the Draft Code requires that consumer goods and services providers (defined by the Draft Code as "Participants") –

  1. establish an effective Internal Complaints-Handling Process that is both accessible and understandable to all consumers; and
  2. keep proper records for a minimum of 3 (three) years of the complaints received.

The CDH Consumer Goods, Services and Retail sector will be publishing a series of alerts and updates regarding the Draft Code (and unpacking the provisions thereof) over the coming weeks. Stay up to date with the developments in the sector as they happen.

The information and material published on this website is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We make every effort to ensure that the content is updated regularly and to offer the most current and accurate information. Please consult one of our lawyers on any specific legal problem or matter. We accept no responsibility for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, which may arise from reliance on the information contained in these pages. Please refer to our full terms and conditions. Copyright © 2025 Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce an article or publication, please contact us cliffedekkerhofmeyr@cdhlegal.com.

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