Consumer Protection
We are dedicated to ensuring fair trading practices and robust consumer protection alongside actively promoting healthy market competition, through various strategic initiatives. Our efforts encompass the development and enforcement of fair trading regulations, metrology and comprehensive oversight by the Samoa Competition and Consumer Commission (SCCC). We collaborate with international bodies like Codex to establish stringent standards for food safety and quality while proactively addressing technical barriers to trade. Additionally, we prioritize the development and enforcement of national standards to safeguard consumer interests across all sectors. Through these integrated measures, we strive to promote transparency, fairness and safety in the marketplace, ultimately fostering consumer confidence and driving sustainable economic growth in Samoa.
Fair Trading
Understanding the rights of customers when they return goods can help you determine whether a complaint is valid. It may also help to avoid unnecessary legal battles.
Codex Alimentarius
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS is about safe, good food for everyone- everywhere. The words CODEX ALIMENTARIUS derives from Latin meaning “FOOD CODE” is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practices adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Access Standards
In essence, a standard represents an agreed-upon approach to performing a task, whether it involves manufacturing a product, conducting business operations, or providing services. Standards play a crucial role in ensuring consistency, instilling consumer trust, and facilitating access to international markets. By adhering to standards, organizations can uphold quality standards, inspire confidence among consumers, and enhance their competitiveness on a global scale.
Samoa Competition and Consumer Commission
The Competition and Consumer Commission in Samoa has several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to foster competitive markets within the country, promoting fair competition among businesses. Additionally, it seeks to set standards of conduct for all traders operating in Samoa and ensure the safety and welfare of consumers. The Commission plays a pivotal role in enforcing these objectives, being an independent body tasked with advising the Minister on matters of competition and consumer protection. It provides public education on relevant laws, encourages compliance with regulations, investigates consumer complaints, and may recommend price control measures in situations lacking effective competition.
Standards and Technical Barriers to Trade
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS is about safe, good food for everyone- everywhere. The words CODEX ALIMENTARIUS derives from Latin meaning “FOOD CODE” is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practices adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Metrology
This section aims to educate local traders and shopkeepers about their obligations regarding accurate weights and measurements of goods. Consumers are protected from various discrepancies, including short weights or measurements, inaccurate measurements, refusal to display weighing scales, and lack of labeling on products. Consumers have the right to request to see the measurement of any goods being weighed or measured at the time of purchase, ensuring transparency and fairness in transactions.
