Stronger Protection for all consumers in Aruba with a reinforced legal framework
ORANJESTAD – On March 15, the world celebrated International Consumer Rights Day. In this context, the Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) organized a lecture at the University of Aruba, where ongoing efforts were discussed to ensure fair competition and, more importantly, in the consumer protection field.
The National Ordinance on Administrative Enforcement of Consumer Protection (Landsverordening Bestuursrechtelijke Handhaving Consumentenbescherming), currently under review in the Parliament of Aruba, will, once in force, strengthen the legal foundation to ensure that consumer rights are not just words on paper.
Initially, AFTA focused on fair competition regulations, preventing cartel agreements and illegal price-fixing. Now, with this new law, AFTA will take on a crucial role in consumer protection, gaining more power to act against abuse and systematic violations of consumer rights.
A more protected market for all consumers
To formalize this development, the "Landsverordening Bestuursrechtelijke Handhaving Consumentenbescherming" introduces several key changes:
- AFTA has the authority to investigate, monitor, and take action against false advertising, consumer manipulation, and products or services that fail to meet promised quality standards. AFTA will have more power to act and impose sanctions on those not complying with fair trade regulations.
- Businesses must adhere to reasonable quality standards for products and services, preventing false promises, price manipulation, and other unfair business practices.
- Consumers will gain access to a digital portal where they can find clear information about their rights.
It is simple for the consumer to make a complaint if they believe that any of their rights have been infringed. AFTA will have complete authority to act if it finds a systematic pattern.
Trust in the market is essential for growth
Geoffrey Wever, the departing Minister of Economic Affairs, Communication, and Sustainable Development, highlights that this law implementation is among the most significant developments in Aruba's consumer protection landscape. This regulation strengthens consumer rights laws. A strong regulatory framework not only protects consumers but also benefits businesses that operate with integrity, eliminating unfair competition from those that violate the rules.
Market trust, clarity regarding rights, and actual enforcement are essential for economic and social growth. Aruba is entering a new era of consumer protection, and everyone is encouraged to follow the developments of this legislation so that consumers can exercise their rights with greater confidence.