Local businesses that fail to display clear prices, provide misleading product information, or sell unsafe or poor-quality goods may face an unwelcome surprise. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is stepping up enforcement and has already issued compliance notices to three shops in Vhembe.
In a recent press statement, the NCC said that 62 compliance notices have been issued to businesses across several provinces, including Limpopo. These notices follow an extensive programme of inspections and investigations conducted between July 2025 and March 2026.
The first phase, from July to November 2025, resulted in 35 compliance notices. The second phase, an intensified enforcement drive from 20 January to March 2026, led to further notices across sectors including retail, clothing, electronics, food, furniture, hardware, and various service industries.
Inspections revealed widespread contraventions of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA). Non-compliant goods and services included cellular devices, clothing and footwear, furniture, household goods, electrical and non-electrical appliances such as paraffin stoves, canned food, unlabelled goods, unbranded sweets, hardware supplies, and service offerings operating under unfair contractual terms.
Among the “offending” shops were businesses in Louis Trichardt, Nzhelele, and Musina.
In many cases, suppliers failed to display clear pricing, provided inadequate or misleading product information, sold unsafe or poor-quality goods, denied consumers the right to return defective or unsuitable products, and failed to maintain proper sales records.
The affected suppliers have been directed to cease prohibited conduct, rectify the identified contraventions, and implement corrective measures within prescribed timeframes. Failure to comply may result in referral to the National Consumer Tribunal for further enforcement action, including the imposition of administrative fines.
“The scale and nature of non-compliance identified during these inspections is concerning. The NCC will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against businesses that continue to disregard the provisions of the CPA. Suppliers are urged to review their practices and ensure full compliance, while consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report unfair business conduct,” said acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu.
According to the CPA, suppliers are required to provide clear, accurate, and unambiguous pricing for goods and services (Sections 22 and 23). Prices must be displayed in a manner that is visible, legible, and understandable, and must include all taxes and additional charges. Misrepresenting prices or concealing fees is an offence.
Regarding inadequate or misleading product information (Sections 41 and 42), suppliers must provide sufficient details about the main characteristics, quality, standard, and usage of a product. Misleading marketing, advertising, or representations are prohibited, ensuring consumers can make informed choices.
With markets flooded by “cheap alternatives,” the CPA (Section 55) states that consumers have the right to receive goods of acceptable quality. Goods must be durable, safe, in good working order, and suitable for the intended purpose. If defective, consumers may demand repair, replacement, or a refund.
The right to return goods is another area where consumers often face challenges. Sections 20, 55, and 56 cover this right. Section 20 allows consumers to cancel an order or return goods purchased via direct marketing, distance selling, or away from the supplier’s premises. Sections 55 and 56 provide that if goods are defective, unsafe, or do not meet promised standards, consumers are entitled to a refund, replacement, or repair, with the supplier bearing the cost of returning defective items.
Finally, regarding the failure to maintain proper sales records, Section 17 requires suppliers to issue proof of transaction, such as a receipt, for all goods and services supplied. This ensures transparency and allows consumers to exercise their rights under the CPA. Non-compliance can be reported to the NCC.
To lodge a complaint or report a business, visit the NCC’s website: https://thencc.org.za