APPEAL TO RETAILERS TO REFRAIN FROM UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission has noted with great concern that some retail chain stores have a tendency to withhold change from consumers or offer them sweets in lieu of change.

The withheld change is usually in the following denominations - Twenty Malawi Kwacha; Ten Malawi Kwacha; Five Malawi Kwacha and One Malawi Kwacha among others.

The Commission would like to inform all Retailers that the practice of withholding change from consumers or offering them sweets in lieu of change is unfair, unreasonable and unconscionable as it leaves consumers worse off than they were before the transaction. All Retailers have an obligation to have all denominations of Malawi's legal tender to facilitate fair trading conditions for consumers and the market at large. 

Section 43(1)(g) of the Competition and Fair Trading Act makes it an offence for any person to engage in unconscionable conduct in carrying out trade in goods and services.

In view of this, the Commission wishes to appeal to all Retailers to cease and desist from unfair trading practices such as withholding change from consumers. Appropriate penalties will be imposed on any Retailer found withholding change from consumers or offering them sweets in lieu of change.

For more information, contact our Dalitso Chimota on email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: +2651759506  

CHARLOTTE WEZI MALONDA (MRS)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR