Restrictive Business Practices

Latest News

All News Annual Report Judgements Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Page

BUSINESS OWNERS WARNED TO AVOID DECEPTIVE DEALS - PRESS STATEMENT

2024-11-29

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) warns traders and service providers to comply with the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, No. 24 of 2010 as amended (“the Act”) while offering Black Friday deals, ensuring adherence to fair trading practices.

The Commission wishes to alert the public that previous Black Friday sales and promotions have been marred by several consumer related concerns. These include disclaimers aimed at avoiding liability, misleading promotional deals, hidden charges, unfair terms, fake discounts, as well as the sale of defective and expired products. CCPC has noted with concern the deceptive practices employed by certain traders to exploit unsuspecting consumers. These traders entice customers with seemingly attractive promotions, creating the illusion of special reduced prices to lure them into purchasing goods or services.

CCPC cautions traders engaging in deceptive practices that those found culpable will face stringent legal action. Such measures are aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and fostering a fair and transparent trading environment. As Black Friday approaches, CCPC advises consumers to exercise caution when participating in sales and promotions to avoid falling victim to unfair trading practices.

CCPC further urges consumers to obtain and safeguard their proof of purchase, such as receipts, warranties, and guarantees, as these documents are essential for redress and investigations in cases of disputes.

Additionally in 2023, CCPC received over 45 complaints related to alternative energy products, including no-refund disclaimers, defective goods, and misleading information about solar pack voltage capabilities. CCPC is urging traders to provide accurate product details and ensure goods are in proper condition to help consumers make informed decisions.

CCPC also wishes to expresses concern over reports of some businesses submitting false information to the Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC), resulting in illegal deductions from civil servants’ salaries, and is taking steps to address these violations under the Act.

CCPC encourages consumers to file their complaints promptly via the toll-free line 5678, WhatsApp at 0975 873988, email: complaints@ccpc.org.zm or Facebook for swift resolution.

Florence M. Zaza

RESTRICTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES : COMESA COMPETITON COMMISSION FINES THE CONFERATION OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL (CAF) AND BEIN MEDIA GROUP LLC (bEIN) FOR BREACH OF THE COMESA COMPETITON REGULATIONS

2024-01-26

The COMESA Competiton Commission (the "Commission") has imposed a fine of USD 300,000 on each of CAF and beIN for breaching article 16(1) of the COMESA Competition Regulations (the "Regulations").
In 2017, the Commission initiated an investigation againest CAF in relation to agreements concluded with the third parties for the commercialization of rights pertaining to the CAF football competitions. In 2019, the Commission issued notices of investigation againest largardere sports S.A.S ("Largardere Sports") and beIN, in connection with two memoranda of understanding entered into between largardere sports and beIN in 2014 and 2016 respectively for the Commercialization of media rights of football competitions organized by CAF (the "beIN Agreements").

click here for full press release

COMESA Competition Commission

CCPC REVIEWS THE NON-ISSUANCE OF SMALL CURRENCY DENOMINATIONS TO CUSTOMERS BY RETAIL OUTLETS

2023-11-21

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has embarked on an exercise to review the reported non–issuance of small-denominated change to consumers by retailers in the country. This follows numerous consumer complaints received by the Commission to the effect that retailers do not give consumers small change after transacting. In this regard, the Commission has issued a Call for Comments pursuant to Sections 5(d) and 85 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010 (“the Act”). The Commission has since commenced engagements with the retail sector to make submissions on this general practice towards the successful completion of the review.

For More click on the link.PRESS-STATEMENT.pdf (ccpc.org.zm)

MUBIANA NALWENDO (Mr.)

NON-ISSUANCE OF SMALL CHANGE TO CUSTOMERS

2023-10-25

ADVISORY NOTE TO THE RETAIL SECTOR AND CONSUMERS ISSUED PERSUANT TO SECTIONS 85 AND 5(d) OF THE COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT NO. 24 OF 2010. Link to full Document ADVISORY-NOTE.pdf (ccpc.org.zm)