Consumer Protection Act, 2020
An Act to protect the interests of consumers in Sierra Leone, prohibiting unfair trade practices and establishing a consumer-protection framework.
Summary
The Consumer Protection Act, 2020 establishes a framework for the protection of consumers in Sierra Leone. It is designed to promote fair, competitive and transparent dealings between traders and consumers and to protect consumers against unfair, misleading and hazardous practices.
The Act sets out consumers' rights, including rights to information, to safe goods and services, to fair contract terms, and to redress. It prohibits unfair trade practices, false or misleading representations and the supply of unsafe or defective goods, and provides for product standards, warranties and remedies.
It establishes institutional arrangements for administering and enforcing consumer protection, handling complaints and imposing penalties for breach.
Main provisions
- States consumers' rights, including to information, safety, fair terms and redress.
- Prohibits unfair trade practices and false or misleading representations.
- Regulates product safety, standards and warranties.
- Provides remedies for consumers, including against defective goods.
- Establishes institutional arrangements for enforcement and complaint-handling.
- Prescribes penalties for breach.