Singapore: Adopted Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act

On 11 November 2003, the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) was adopted by the Parliament of Singapore. The CPFTA aims to protect consumers against unfair practices, including those in online commercial activities. The list of unfair trade practices includes misrepresenting the sponsorship, approval, characteristics, qualities, or benefits of goods or services that they do not possess. This also encompasses false claims of affiliation or approval by suppliers, misleading representations about the necessity of goods or services, and misrepresenting the standard, quality, origin, or condition of goods. Furthermore, it is classified as unfair to mislead about the availability, price, quantity, or timing of goods or services. Suppliers should not falsely claim the need or desirability of parts, repairs, or replacements, nor should they mislead about the price benefits of goods or services. Charging significantly more than a provided estimate without prior consumer consent is also deemed unfair. Additionally, misleading about the rights, remedies, or obligations involved in transactions or misrepresenting the authority to finalise agreements are considered unfair practices. Suppliers should not exploit consumers with oppressive or excessively one-sided terms, nor should they exert undue pressure or influence. Representations about other suppliers honouring vouchers must be accurate. Further, misleading advertisements presented as objective reports and falsely claiming endorsements or agreements by others are prohibited. Misrepresenting repair facilities, offering false gifts or prizes, and deceptive discount claims are also considered to be unfair practices. Concealing material facts, accepting payment without the ability to supply goods or services as promised, asserting rights to payment for unsolicited goods, and sending misleading invoices for unsolicited goods are all prohibited under the amended CPFTA. The Act has been sent to the President for assent.