Business Consumer Affairs

How CAA Act protects consumers

Consumers, be careful when you purchase any goods. When you purchase any items be more careful of the following -

Purchase only goods that are fresh and new.

Do not purchase anything that is not up to required standard.

Do not purchase any item that has exceeded the expiry date.

Always check the price marked.

Obtain a receipt for every item that you purchase or for any service rendered.

Make sure that the goods that you purchase are in conformity with the Sri Lanka Standards.

When you purchase an item always check the date of manufacture, date of expiry, batch No. and serial No.

Receipt must be issued on demand

Section 28: Every trader who sells any goods shall on demand, issue to the purchaser thereof setting out -

a. the date of the sale

b. the quantity of goods sold

c. the price paid for such quantity

d. nature of the transaction, that is to say, whether the sale was wholesale or retail; and

e. any other requirements that may be imposed under any law relating to the issue of receipts by a trader.

2. Notice Board, a must

Section 29: (1) Every trader shall keep in conspicuous place in his place of business, a notice board for the display of any notice, direction or warning issued by the Authority under this Act.

(2) Every trader shall affix or cause to be affixed on such notice board any notice, direction or warning issued to such trader by the Authority under this Act.

(3) Any person, who removes, alters, obliterates, erases or defaces such notice, a direction or warning other than a person acting under the direction or authority of the Authority, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

3. False representation, an offence

Section 31: Any trader who, in the course of a trade or business, in connection with the supply of goods or services or in connection with the promotion by any means of the supply or use of goods or services.

(a) Falsely represents that goods or services are of a particular standard, quality or grade, or that goods are of a particular style or model.

(b) Falsely represents that goods are new.

(c) Represents that goods or services have sponsorship approval, performance, characteristics accessories, uses or benefits they do not have.

(d) Represents that such trader has a sponsorship approval or affiliation he does not have.

(e) Makes false or misleading statements concerning the existence or amounts of price reduction or price increase.

(f) Makes false or misleading statements concerning the need for any goods, services, replacements or repairs; or

(g) Makes false or misleading statements concerning the existence or effect of any warranty or guarantee.

Consumer education

Consumer Education Course 1

Looking back

Consumers in our country are also influenced by the latest trends in the international trade and have begun to consume imported goods, without considering their quality. To protect the consumer from this risk the Consumer Affairs Authority launch awareness programmes.

Price Control Act

The Second World War (1939-1945) caused many serious problems, mainly an acute food shortage, threatening the health of the common man. During this period, people of Sri Lanka had to undergo hardships due to the collapse of the self-sufficient economy caused by the foreign invasions, making the people dependent on imported food for their sustenance.

The war had restricted naval transport and ravaged the food growing land. As a result, the Colonial Secretary in Ceylon launched an emergency food distribution programme under which a food rationing system and a price control policy were introduced.

Accordingly the Price Control Ordinance, No. 29, 1939 was enacted. In spite of the price control, unscrupulous traders resorted to selling short weight and measures. To combat this menace, Weights and Measures Ordinance No. 27, 1944 was enacted.

Consumer protests in USA

Although Sri Lankan consumers are unaware of their rights and hesitant to complain or loath to organise protest in the streets, urging their governments to enact laws to protect them.

Former US President John F. Kennedy guaranteed four rights of the Consumers in a White Paper heeding the mass protects in the early sixties. The rights mentioned Richard Nixon enacted laws to realise another important consumer right that is,

V. The right to receive redress subsequently, George Ford, US President, added the sixth right.

VI. The right to be educated with consumer knowledge. These rights were recognised worldwide, and the International Consumer Organisation was formed and the rights, 7 and 8 were added.

VII. The right to fulfill basic needs.

VIII. The right to live in a healthy environment.

Further schoolchildren will be educated on the rights of consumers and the broadening of the scope of activities of the Consumer Affairs Authority to be taken for the protection of consumers.

The Authority has planned to conduct seminars, workshops and exhibitions to promote education on consumer rights. Stalls in exhibition premises will be opened. The awareness programme mainly will stress on the implementation of the Consumer Act.

The Authority will not only educate the consumers but also will raise awareness of the business community on the proper implementation of the Consumer Act.

It is expected that through the awareness programs, the number of offences by the traders and the manufacturers will be minimised. Also seminars for traders and manufacturers will be conducted to ensure the safety of the consumer.

Field investigations too will be continued to bring the errant traders to book and initially they will be instructed to amend their ways. The organisation of consumers is of paramount importance. Consumers have a right to organise themselves. It is their responsibility, too.

An organised approach, will definitely strengthen their clout. In this context, the consumer organisations are the most effective means of combating unfair trade practices. Already, nearly 100 Consumer Organisations have been formed by the Authority.

The President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer of a Consumer Organisation have been issued with identity cards to facilitate their service.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Frequently asked questions:

With the awareness among people on energy efficiency and the disadvantages of using General Lighting Service (GLS) lamps, also known as incandescent lamps, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are now the ‘in’ thing.

But this has raised many a question - some on the possibility of avoiding GLS and others on the capability, make, use, etc. of the substitute for GLS.

We thought of answering some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CFLs - a better substitute for GLS. Read on and find the answers to questions you always had in mind but did not known whom to ask.

How does a CFL bulb work?

Fluorescent Light Bulbs (FLBs, including the compact ones) are more energy efficient than their GLS counterparts. This is because of the different method they use to produce light.

GLS bulbs create light by heating a filament inside the bulb; the heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. FLBs contain a gas that produces invisible Ultraviolet (UV) light when the gas is excited by electricity.

This UV light hits the white coating inside the bulb and the coating changes it into light. As FLBs don’t use heat to create light, they are far more energy efficient than the regular incandescent bulbs.

How do CFL and GLS differ?

CFLs offer more direct benefits than GLS lamps. CFLs use two-thirds less energy and last ten times longer. Replacing a GLS with a CFL, you save on the energy cost. Moreover, CFLs are available in various sizes and shapes to fit almost any fixture.

They are eco-friendly as, according to The Lighting Association, UK, they produce 70 per cent less heat, are safer to operate and can help cut energy costs associated with home cooling. Scientists also contend that CFLs release less carbon in the atmosphere than their GLS counterparts.

How do CFLs and Fluorescent Tubelights differ?

With the help of special technologies, CFLs are made in special shapes - tubular, spiral, oval, etc.

They fit into the standard household bulb sockets. Most CFLs have an integral ballast built into the light bulb. Other fluorescent bulbs and tubelights require a separate ballast independent of the bulbs or the tube.

How do I replace a GLS with a CFL?

A CFL is 4 to 6 times more efficient than a GLS bulb. This means that you can buy a 15-Watt CFL that produces the same amount of light as a 60W regular GLS bulb.

If you are one who would worry about maths, an easier way is to divide the approximate wattage of the GLS by 4 and then buy a CFL of that wattage, i.e. if you want to replace a 60W GLS, buy a 15W CFL and buy a 20W CFL to replace a 75W GLS.

Where all can I use a CFL?

You can use a CFL in all those places where you can use a GLS. If you want to use a CFL in a 3-way, it will work on the middle (medium) setting and it would not damage the bulb. The 3-way does not alter the performance of the bulb. It is better to check the package for application. Using CFLs with a dimmer switch can shorten the life of the bulb.

Avoid using CFLs in enclosed light fixtures as these fixtures create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of CFLs. Generally, GE Lighting warns, CFL is not recommended in vibrating environments like ceiling fans.

The vibrations can cause the electronics in the CFL to fail. Special ones for this purpose are available. It is advisable to check the package for this application.

Why does my CFL appear dim?

CFLs require a short warming up period before they reach full brightness. This is the time taken for the ballast to produce enough electricity to excite the gas inside the bulb. This makes them appear dim or flicker. The latest technology helps the CFL to show no significant flicker.

Can turning on/off frequently affect CFLs?

To reach the point of most efficient operation, the CFLs take up to 3 minutes to warm up. So, frequent switching on and off will shorten the life of the product and then you cannot reap the financial benefits of energy and life of the CFL. CFLs work best if they are left on for over 15 minutes each time they are turned on.

Can CFL affect the functioning of other electronic equipment?

Many electronic devices use infrared light to transmit signals. Though only sometimes, these electronic devices accidentally interpret the infrared light coming from a CFL as a signal, causing the device to temporarily malfunction or stop working.

If your television starts changing channels suddenly, blame it for once on the infrared light from the CFL. Be wise and place the CFL away from the device or plug either the light fixture or the device into a different outlet.

Can a CFL be used with an electronic timer?

CFLs can be used with an electronic timer or photocell provided the parts of the gadget are compatible with CFLs. Using CFLs in incompatible products will result in a shorter life of the bulb. The best way to know the compatibility is to check it out with the manufacturer.

Isn’t the mercury in CFLs hazardous?

CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams - one hundredth part of the mercury in traditional thermometer - of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. It is an essential and irreplaceable element in CFLs.

Though the manufacturers are taking steps to reduce the mercury content, there is currently no substitute for mercury. The disposal of CFL is being debated across the globe due to its mercury content.

In spite of all this CFLs are safe to use, if used properly and pose no danger to you or your family. Be careful with CFL while unpacking, installing and replacing. Never forcefully twist a CFL into a socket by its tube.

What to do when a CFL breaks

* Open the windows and allow the room to ventilate. Leave the room. Avoid entering the room for the next 15 minutes.

* Be careful. Avoid getting cut by the glass. The mercury in it is risky. If possible, use disposable gloves to remove the glass pieces.

* Sweep up all the glass fragments and fine particles properly. Don’t vacuum.

* Place broken pieces in a plastic bag, seal it and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel into the plastic bag as well and dispose of it.

* Don’t forget to wash your hands thereafter.

Source - Insight - The Consumer Magazine

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