By Rabindra RooplallOver time there have been many complaints of faulty products and unfair practices by local businesses, including notices that say “goods not returnable” but the recently assented Consumer Affairs Act 2011 has made clear the rights of consumers.Under the Act it states that an offence is committed when any business places a sign that reads; “that no refunds will be given for goods returned; or that goods are not returnable.”Penalties can be imposed for a breach of any provision of the Act; this may range from $20,000 to $1,000,000 and up to one year imprisonment.It was further noted that the court in imposing a penalty shall take into consideration whether the defendant’s business is large, medium, or small.One of the many aspects the Act underscores is the false and misleading information about certain goods, in addition to advertising goods at a particular price, then selling at a different price mark-up,Wholesale NHL Jerseys, which will also attract stiff penalties.The Bill provides for the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers in relation to the supply of goods and services and renames the Competition Commission as the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission,Cheap MLB Jerseys China, which will administer the Competition and Fair Trading Act 2006, as well as the Consumer Affairs Act.The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission is empowered with the approval of the Tourism Minister to make regulations binding in law, an industry, trade or profession, and all participants into its code. Once this is done, non-compliance by the industry, trade,Cheap MLB Jerseys Authentic, or profession subject to the regulation, constitutes a breach.This body will be tasked with monitoring compliance with the law, and carrying out other enforcement activities such as responding to consumers’ complaints and ensuring that adequate information is available so that consumers can make informed choices.The bill brings all businesses under tight scrutiny in ensuring that they comply with the provisions of the law.The Bill imposes on suppliers, duties such as: giving consumers information about various goods, providing measuring equipment that meet the standards imposed by law for use by consumers when selling goods and services, issuance of receipts and explicit warranties to consumers,NBA Jerseys From China, compensation for damage,Cheap Jerseys Outlet, replacement and repairs in the case of defective goods, refunds for goods and services different from those requested, and accuracy with regards to claims for payment and installments by consumers among other duties.The Act further establishes safeguards for consumers when entering contracts for goods and services by means of distance communication including electronic means, mail order, and house-to-house selling.It was also noted that goods found on shelves with no English will be deemed illegal, while suppliers of goods sold by weight or volume will be obligated to provide for the consumer facilities to confirm that measurement.The Bill forbids merchants from displaying the price of goods claiming the cost to be VAT inclusive. It states that the prices and fees must be current and all related taxes shall be shown separately from the cost of the goods or services.Similarly, the receipt for goods or services must show separately the price of goods and services and applicable taxes. Additionally, the date of purchase must be displayed.The Bill also notes the illegality of a practice by some merchants of placing all goods on one receipt and applying taxes to the total cost though some items on the list may be zero rated.Also, according to the Bill, suppliers of goods and services must assume the warranty placed by the manufacturer, and in the absence of that provision the item sold will automatically have a six-month warranty.Consumers will not have to pay for goods or services supplied that are more than they had requested. As an example, if a car owner might request a mechanic to repair or fix one item on the vehicle, but the tradesman chooses to repair or replace other parts that are deemed faulty without the owner’s permission, and the mechanic then charges the customer for the additional service, under this new Bill there is no obligation to pay for the extra cost that was not requested.The Consumer Affairs Bill 2011 was tabled in April last in the National Assembly by Finance Minister,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, Dr. Ashni Singh; the Act was assented to by Former President Bharat Jagdeo on September 27, 2011.