The President of the Republic, Paul Biya promulgated Law No. 2011/012 of 6 May 2011 concretizing the protection of consumer rights in Cameroon. To guarantee consumers maximum protection, the framework law has put in place restrictions and sanctions on the providers of consumer technologies, goods and services. It also takes into consideration the right to physical safety and healthy environment of consumers.
This law was further strengthened by the creation of the National Consumers Council in 2018 with a key mission to facilitate consultations between representatives of consumer and delegates from the supervisory organ on issues relating to the protection of consumers.
However, the rights of consumers as spelt out in the UN Resolution 39/248 are violated and the Cameroon Chamber of Consumers (CNACOC) is not happy about the situation. While observing the 35th edition of World Consumer Rights Day in Douala, the President of the Consumer Rights chamber Calvin Nya said, the day is meant “to valorize consumers and promote their rights in line with the principles of the United Nations.”
These rights include;
-Safety
-Right to be informed
-Right to be heard
-Satisfaction of basic needs
-Right to choose
-Receive consumer education
-Right to Redress
-Right to a healthy and sustainable environment.
Conferences and debates on important themes were organized to educate consumers on the rights and call on authorities to stop violating these rights. These themes were: Stakes and Perspectives of the law on Decentralization, Contribution of normalization in sustainable development-case of construction materials, Norms as a non-tariff barrier in international trade and the Health security of consumer goods. Products targeted during the discussions included Housing, Banking, Basic commodities, Construction materials and Mobile telephone services.
To the CNACOC boss Calvin Nya, “these products and/or services must provide absolute satisfaction and those in charge must make the satisfaction of consumers their cornerstone. “ Consumers have also been called to be aware of their rights in order not to fall prey to unscrupulous producers.
The World Consumer Rights Day was observed under the theme, “Sustainable Consumption.”