The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act which came into force on 1 March 2004, provides protection to consumers against suppliers that engage in unfair practices.
Who Must Abide By This Law?
What Purpose Does This Act Serve?
What Are Unfair Practices Under The Act?
What Actions Can My Customers Take Against My Business?
How Much Can My Customers Claim Against Me?
How Much Time Do My Customers Have To Lodge A Claim Against Me?
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Who Must Abide By This Law?
- Any business (including its employees and agents) that, amongst others, provides goods or services to consumers; or promotes the use or purchase of such goods or services.
- This includes all businesses are registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and businesses who do not need to register with ACRA (e.g. hawkers, lawyers and accountants).
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What Purpose Does This Act Serve?
- The Act is one of the cornerstones of Singapore’s consumer protection laws. It aims to protect consumers against suppliers that engage in unfair practices.
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What Are Unfair Practices Under The Act?
- Examples of unfair practices include making misleading claims about consumer goods and services.
- The full list of “unfair practices” can be found in the Second Schedule of the Act. You can also download the Fair Trading & You Guide (WORD).
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What Actions Can My Customers Take Against My Business?
- Local Customers
- Local customers can file a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), after which CASE will contact you to settle the dispute, possibly through mediation. For details on mediation, please see Not Going to Court.
- If the dispute cannot be settled through CASE, the customer may choose to file a case against you in civil court (e.g. Small Claims Tribunal). For details, please see Going to Court.
- Tourists
- Tourists can file a complaint with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). STB will investigate complaints.
- If there are 3 or more complaints against a retailer during a 3-month period, STB will list the errant retailer in The Official Map of Singapore, The Real Destination Singapore brochure and the Visit Singapore website.
- Tourists who wish to take action may also make claims through the Small Claims Tribun