Be alert, CCPC warns consumers

AS ZAMBIA draws into the festive mood, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned consumers to be careful and avoid buying substandard and defective products.
CCPC public relations officer Hanford Chaaba said in a statement yesterday that unsuspecting consumers are duped into buying what seems to be affordable but later discover that the products are defective during this period.
“We remind consumers that during the festive season various traders are in the tradition of making several clearance promotions of their goods, and it is easy for consumers to rush for such goods in view of the low prices at which they are sold,” he said.
Mr Chaaba said the commission has continued to receive complaints from consumers on the sale of defective products since 2011 when it started enforcing the Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
He cited electrical and electronic goods as the most substandard.
Mr Chaaba urged consumers to immediately report to the commission’s offices located in all the10 provinces across the country, if they buy such products.
“Our offices will remain open during the festive season to receive various consumer complaints, and we will embark on on-spot inspections in selected markets, townships and shops to ensure that consumers are not short-changed,” he said.

ZAMBIADAILYMAIL