NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 51 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 GLOBALLY, CONSUMERS rely on systems of protection that begin long before goods reach store shelves. In Jamaica, the responsibility for consumer protection rests primarily with the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), the Government agency under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) charged with safeguarding consumer rights and interests. However, to protect consumer rights and interests, the CAC works in close partnership with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that unsafe, sub-standard, and illegal goods are intercepted early – often before they enter the local marketplace. BORDER CONTROL:THE FIRST LINE OF CONSUMER SAFETY A critical partner in this national and global system is the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). Border control is almost synonymous with consumer safety, as Customs’ vigilance and enforcement provide the frontline defence against unsafe, counterfeit, and prohibited goods. As part of its mandate, the CAC regularly collects data and receives complaints from consumers. Analysis from April 2022 – March 2025 shows that Appliances and Electronic Items consistently generate the highest number of consumer complaints while Automotive Parts generate the highest value of refunds/compensations. CONSUMER COMPLAINT SNAPSHOT (APRIL 2022MARCH 2025) • Total complaints received: 3,201 • Appliances & Electronic Items: o 818 complaints (25.55%) • Automotive Parts: o 306 complaints (9.6%) FINANCIAL REDRESS FOR CONSUMERS During the same three-year period, the Consumer Affairs Commission secured significant financial redress on behalf of consumers. Refunds/Compensation Recovered (April 2022-March 2025) • Total recovered: $135.36 million o Automotive Parts: $75.31 million (56%) o Appliances & Electronic Items: $15.1 million (11%) These figures underscore the real financial impact of unsafe or substandard goods and the importance of early intervention at the border. A COORDINATED REGULATORY NETWORK Beyond Customs, the Consumer Affairs Commission works closely with key regulatory and enforcement partners including: • Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) • National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) • Fair Trading Commission (FTC) • Food Storage and the Prevention of Infestation Division (FPSID) • Ministry of Health and Wellness • Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries • Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) These MDAs play a critical role in flagging, detaining, and investigating suspicious goods, ensuring that risks are addressed before products reach consumers. The Commission also plays a key role in making consumers aware of food and product recalls, via its regional and international partners. This is of particular importance as consumers engage in numerous cross-border transactions daily. The CAC shares information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) and the Organisation of American States Caribbean Health and Safety Network (CHSN) to better monitor the international marketplace and make consumers aware of food and products recalls. Food recalls occur when food has been declared unsafe or contaminated and requires removal from sale or distribution. Product recalls take place when a product is removed from the market due to it being defective, unsafe, or poses a health/safety risk. Consumer protection is not limited to physical safety. It also safeguards consumers from deception, unfair practices, and financial loss. When questionable goods enter the marketplace, there is a heightened risk of breaches of the Consumer Protection Act, 2005 (Amended 2012) – the legislation that established the Consumer Affairs Commission and governs aspects of vendor conduct. Such breaches undermine confidence in the marketplace and leave consumers paying for products that fail prematurely or perform dangerously. Consumer protection works best when agencies operate as a coordinated system. • Customs enforcement prevents harm at the border. • CAC intervention addresses complaints, education, and domestic enforcement. • Information-sharing among MDAs allows for early identification of emerging risks. This preventative, collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to reducing harm before it reaches consumers. STRENGTHENING THE FRAMEWORK: NATIONAL CONSUMER POLICY In keeping with this collaborative approach, the MIIC spearheaded the development of a National Consumer Policy and worked closely with the Consumer Affairs Commission and the Fair Trading Commission. The proposed policy establishes a formal structure to strengthen coordination among government MDAs and other stakeholder groups that directly or indirectly serve consumers. It is currently at the White Paper stage (subject to Cabinet approval), representing a significant step toward a more integrated and resilient consumer protection framework for Jamaica. Through strong partnerships, effective border enforcement, and coordinated policy action, Jamaica continues to strengthen its consumer protection system – ensuring safer products, fairer markets, and greater confidence for consumers nationwide. Consumer Affairs Commission, an Agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), “Protecting Your Rights, Securing Our Future”. Submission by Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSION Strengthening consumer protection through collaboration Through strong partnerships, effective border enforcement, and coordinated policy action, Jamaica continues to strengthen its consumer protection system – ensuring safer products, fairer markets, and greater confidence for consumers nationwide.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=