Monday 05 October 2015
Trading Standards is seeking the views of consumers and businesses on proposals for an ambitious set of new trading standards legislation for the Island of Guernsey. The consultation launched today seeks the views of the public and interested parties on its proposals to introduce consumer protection legislation. The consultation will run from 5 October and will close on 31 October 2015.
The consultation document and the questionnaire are available at www.gov.gg/tradingstandardsconsultation and should take around 15 minutes to complete. The questionnaire can be completed on-line via the Survey Monkey link. Printed copies are available from Sir Charles Frossard House and the Commerce and Employment Department at Raymond Falla House.
Deputy Stewart, Commerce and Employment Department Minister, commented:-
"I am delighted to see this comprehensive set of proposals coming forward for consultation this year. The project, which has wide support, was in our Departmental Business Plan and we are sure that the proposals will be of benefit to both consumers and traders on the Island, introducing certainty about consumers' rights and obligations. This proposed legislation will contribute to the continuing development of a fair and successful economy for us all."
The Department considered that the introduction of legislation, along the lines proposed in the consultation document, would make the Guernsey legal framework similar to those in neighbouring jurisdictions and would help to minimise ambiguity for consumers and traders.
The consultation document describes the civil rights a consumer would have when entering into a contract to buy goods or services from a trader, and the remedies which would be available to the consumer if they experienced problems with the goods or services they have bought. The proposals describe what is expected of the consumer and of the trader to ensure the contract runs smoothly.
The proposals seek to prohibit unfair trading practices and introduce legal sanctions which would be available if traders were investigated by the Trading Standards Service and found to be trading unfairly.
The Trading Standards Service will have the responsibility to advise businesses and consumers to ensure the legislation is understood and implemented effectively.
The consultation also asks for views on proposals to introduce consumer product safety and retail pricing legislation, and proposes what information a consumer should receive from a trader when entering into a contract, whether at the trader's premises or in other circumstances, such as when buying goods over the internet.
