The CAPC functions
The Consumer Affairs and Price Control Division is responsible for and carries out the following roles in the execution of its functions
Consumer Awareness
Consumer Advice
Inspection
Trade Measurement Services
Price Control
International Consumer Standards
Information Services
Function of the Division
The Consumer Affairs and Price Control Division is responsible for and carries out the following roles in the execution of its functions
1.Consumer Awareness
The Division seeks to provide guidance and educational awareness to consumers on issues of interest and/or concern.
This includes the following;
Rights and Responsibilities
It is important that the public is educated on their rights and responsibilities as consumers. For example, there is a process established by Law where consumers can use to lodge complaints if they are dissatisfied with any products or services. This can be described broadly as dispute resolution through mediation, complaints resolution, redress and advisory services. Consumers are also educated on related issues such as food safety, nutrition/security, environment and standards of products.
Smart Consumer
Consumers are also faced with important decisions such as securing loans for a new house, vehicle or to pay for their child’s education. The smart consumer will take into consideration various aspects of their own personal life before getting a loan, which includes their own personality, affordability and capital. The Division continues to provide advice to consumers in this respect. An example of such advice is our ‘Be a smart consumer’ guide.
2.Consumer Advice
As a general rule it is important to plan before you buy. Our advice can help resolve consumers shopping problems and what steps to take when a purchase does not go as planned.
Our ‘A Guide to Shopping’ provides basic advice to consumers when they do their shopping. This includes what to consider before making a purchase.
3.Inspection
Inspection is a provision the Consumer Protection Act that the Ministry uses to inspect the price of goods and the general safety of consumables being sold at the shops.
This function of the Division is carried out by the Consumer Affairs Unit and may be a response to the submission of a consumer complaint.
Download the Consumer Protection Act.
Download the Consumer Protection Regulation 2016 Inspectors Guidelines.
4.Trade Measurement Services
This service involves establishing necessary controls on measuring instruments which are used for trading.
An inspector calibrates and certifies measuring instruments, e.g. scales to be used by traders and service providers.
5.Price Control
This function is carried out by the Price Control Unit. It ensures that the Price Control Act is administered effectively and efficiently by placing restrictions on price controlled commodities.
This information is then provided to the Ministry through the Price Advisory Committee.
6.International Consumer Standards
The Solomon Islands is a member of the Consumer International Regional Office for Asia/Pacific.
The interactions with the Regional Office ensure that Solomon Islands keep itself in line with International standards on consumer affairs.
Download the Consumer Protection Act.
7.Information Services
The information service updates consumers on the latest prices set by the Price Advisory Committee.
The Information Services will always be updated periodically.
Consumer Price Indices
The Consumer Price Indices was established to monitor and control prices of products. This includes prices for Petroleum, SolTuna and LPG. According to the Price Control Act 1982 (Cap 64) the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, having consulted the Prices Advisory Committee, have set the following maximum wholesale and retail prices of Petroleum products that came into effect on 1st December 2016. According to the Price Control Act 1982 (Cap 64) the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, having consulted SolTuna Company and the Price Advisory Committee, has set a maximum Wholesale and Retail prices of SolTuna Products in Honiara came into effect on 1st April 2016.
Whistle blower
A Whistle blower is a provision in which a person(s) can lodge a complaint to the relevant official if things are not done properly.