Your rights as a consumer

General information only, not legal advice. This page summarises a few sections of the Act in plain words. The Act itself is the authority.

The law and the regulator

The Consumer Affairs Act 2011 (Act No. 13 of 2011) protects people who buy goods and services in Guyana ^[1]. It is enforced by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), which also enforces the Competition and Fair Trading Act 2006 ^[2].

Some key rights under the Act ^[1]

• Prices on display. A supplier must display current prices or fees prominently, and show taxes and related charges separately (section 17).
• A receipt. When you buy goods or services, the supplier must give you a receipt showing the price and VAT separately, the date and a description of what you bought (section 18). Keep it: the Act says it can be used to claim a refund in the cases the Act allows.
• A warranty. If no explicit warranty is given, goods are treated as having a six-month warranty on parts and labour (section 19). Where a manufacturer's warranty exists, the supplier is treated as giving it too.
• No "no refunds" signs. A supplier must not post notices saying goods are not returnable or that no refunds will be given (section 24). Doing so is an offence.
• Unsatisfactory services. A supplier must refund fees in full or in part when a service is cancelled or performed unsatisfactorily (section 17).

These are summaries. Conditions and exceptions apply, so read the Act or ask the CCAC.

How to complain

1. Talk to the business first and keep your receipt, contract, photos and messages.
2. File with the CCAC in writing within two months of the transaction, unless the Commission allows more time ^[1]. You can use the online complaint form ^[3].
3. The online form asks for your details, the supplier's details, the date and value of the purchase, what went wrong, the remedy you want, and supporting files ^[3].

CCAC contact ^[4]

• National Exhibition Site, Sophia, Georgetown
• 97-98 Republic Avenue, McKenzie, Linden (first floor, Lens Building)
• 592 219-4410-13 (Georgetown), 592 444-6411 (Linden), 625-0557 (cell)
• Monday to Thursday 8:00 to 16:30, Friday 8:00 to 15:30

The CCAC also publishes a consumer handbook, a vehicle buying guide and a vehicle inspection checklist ^[4].