Macau consumer laws have been redrafted to improve protection of shoppers from errant retailers.
A fresh draft of the Consumer Protection Law is understood to be complete and will soon be sent to the territory’s Legislative Assembly.
The primary focus of the changes strengthen consumer rights to compensation and product information.
The new draft proposes the Consumer Council monitors improper business conduct of retailers and other businesses – both online and offline. When necessary, penalties will be applied to any misleading or intimidating conduct for unfair business operation, according to a government source.
Businesses will be required to provide all necessary information, pricing labels and proof of purchase to their consumers based on a contract.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the proposed law is the introduction of a seven day cooling off period for any prepaid, online or remotely-signed contracts to provide goods and services. This will give consumers a whole week to back out of a commitment, which could potentially be a concern with online sales especially.
New of the draft’s progress was revealed by Wong Hon Neng, president of the executive committee of the Consumer Council, in response to an enquiry from lawmaker Kwan Tsui Hang.