An electronics and electrical appliances retailer in the country was issued a $1,000 compound. The retailer failed to display comparative prices (before and after sales) and offered items at prices which did not match the discount price list that was required under the Sales Regulations.
The infringement was found during the routine inspections by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) through the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) in December 2020.
According to the Sales Regulations, discounts for an item during sales must be based on the lowest price offered or sold in the last 30 days, before the start of BSb 2020. This includes prices and discounts that were verbally agreed upon between buyer and seller when the transaction is made.
The above regulation serves to ensure consumers are not misled into having a false sense of savings by businesses that base their discounts on inflated ‘previous prices’ or make false claims regarding the ‘previous price’ prior to the sales period. Failing to produce information to prove valid discounts or falsifying discount pricing to mislead consumers is an offense under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Order and the Sales Regulations, which carries a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine and imprisonment for 5 years.
Businesses are therefore encouraged to ensure compliance by using genuine ‘previous prices’ so consumers are informed of before and after prices, before making purchase decision.
While the DCCA conducts routine inspections, the public is advised to be the eyes and ears by providing feedback to the DCCA if they suspect any unfair business conduct. For any queries, feedback or complaints on BSb 2020 or consumer protection law in general, the public can reach the DCCA at Talian Darussalam 123, through the PenggunaBijak mobile app or via email to consumercomplaint@jpes.gov.bn.
Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs Department of Economic Planning and Statistics Ministry of Finance and Economy
