Mauritius: New Consumer Protection Bill Introduced in Parliament

Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - Mauritian Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection Minister Cader Sayed-Hossen has introduced a new Consumer Protection Bill that allows for the setting up of a National Consumer Council and a Consumer Protection Tribunal in Mauritius, PANA reported from here Wednesday.

The objects of the Bill, Minister Sayed-Hossen said Tuesday evening, shall be to promote and protect consumer rights and welfare.

The Bill says the Council shall encourage, by the formation of associations, consumer participation in decision-making processes concerning the market-place and the interest of consumers.

There shall also be established a Consumer Protection Tribunal that shall hear and determine any civil suit lodged before the tribunal by a trader, a consumer or others.

One official of the Ministry said the latter shall promote and support the dissemination of consumer education through consumer education programmes that shall deal with the rights and responsibilities of consumers, the safety of goods and hazards and the labelling of goods.

He said the Bill deals also with unfair, misleading, aggressive and prohibited commercial practices, and fixes different penalties for offences.
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