Consumers should file, or get a consumer rights protection organization to file, complaints about poor quality goods or services, and all acts infringing upon consumers’ lawful rights and interests will be promptly and strictly handled under the law, with infringers that cause material damage to consumers obliged to pay compensation.
So provides Government Decree No. 55/2008/ND-CP of April 24, detailing the implementation of the Ordinance on Consumer Protection, which also bans organizations and individuals trading in goods or services from forcing consumers to buy or accept their goods or services by setting out sale or service provision “rules” or improperly advertising, conducting sales promotion, displaying or showing their products or committing other acts for the purpose of misleading consumers as to the true quality or origin of their products or services. Meanwhile, sellers and providers are required to supply to consumers truthful and accurate information on their goods and services, publicly post or quote prices of goods or services at their places of business, and provide adequate warranty for goods sold or services provided. They are obliged to receive consumer complaints about their goods or services, send to complainants written or emailed complaint receipt notices, and settle these complaints within three to seven working days.
Any organizations or individuals which violate regulations on protection of consumer interests can be examined for penal liability.
The decree also specifies the establishment and operation of organizations for consumer rights protection which would operate on a non-profit basis and be empowered to represent consumers to lodge complaints or take, when authorized by consumers, legal action against entities infringing upon consumer rights and interests.-