Singapore has amended its Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act to clamp down on retailers who persist in unfair practices.

The move enhances the consumer protection framework, and Spring Singapore has been appointed as administering agency for CPFTA 2. It has been given investigative and enforcement powers to take timely actions against recalcitrant retailers, with the law aimed to come into full force by the end of next year.

A key amendments enables courts to impose extra requirements on errant retailers, such as requiring them to publicise they are under injunction.

The list of unfair practices has also been clarified, with the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) remaining the first points of contact for consumers and tourists with complaints. They will help obtain redress and/or compensation through negotiation and/or mediation.

Errant retailers may enter into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) with Case or STB, in which they agree in writing to stop any unfair practice, and compensate affected buyers. Retailers who continue trading unfairly will be referred to Spring for investigation and follow-up.

The changes follow a review of the Act by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and public consultation.