Economic inspection and consumer protection ensure fair trade practices, product safety, and regulatory compliance in the marketplace. These functions are essential to safeguarding consumer rights, promoting business transparency, and maintaining trust in Curaçao’s economic system.
Consumer Protection in Curaçao
As part of our efforts to protect consumers, MEO grants a yearly subsidy to fundashon pa Konsumidó (FpK) who is responsible for providing broad information to consumers about their rights and obligations, but also handle complaints, offer periodical price comparisons among other tasks. The foundation has existed since 1975 and is dedicated to ensuring that consumers get the most out of what our economy and the economic sector have to offer. They do this mainly by educating, informing and making consumers aware of their rights when making a commercial transaction.
They also conduct regular price comparisons and market research to inform consumers and give them the freedom to make more conscious choices when spending. Fundashon pa Konsumidó not only protects the interest of the consumer by comparing and monitoring prices in, for example, supermarkets and stores, but they have also contributed to giving their point of view in the development of Curacao’s energy policy and the policy to achieve accessible public transportation to all.
Economic Inspection
Our dedicated team at the Ministry conducts daily inspections to ensure compliance with economic regulations across all types of establishments and businesses in Curacao. We prioritize maintaining a fair and transparent economic environment, safeguarding the interests of businesses and consumers alike.
The main tasks are to carry out the Economic Controls and Calibrations.
Economic Controls:
- Establishment permits
- Pricing (maximum prices, indication of product prices, correct indication of product weight and price comparisons)
HORECA permits - Supermarkets, minimarkets and toko’s
- Closing hours of all the above
Calibration of all weighing instruments/tools at:
- Pharmacies
- Gas Stations
- Weighbridges
- All establishments with a scale and or weighing instrument.
The Economic Inspection team of the Ministry in Curaçao plays a crucial role in upholding economic regulations and standards across various establishments and businesses. Their daily operations are primarily focused on two key functions: Economic Controls and Calibrations. Calibration activities are focused on maintaining accuracy and reliability in measurements, particularly in weighing instruments and tools used in various sectors.
In addition to their regular inspections, the Economic Inspection team collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary approach, often joining forces with various other inspection units and departments. One such significant collaboration is with HORECA establishments, where the team partners with different entities such as the Health Inspection (GMN), Labor Inspection (SOAW), Customs (Douane), Tax Office (SBAB), Police Officers from various departments, and the Fire Brigade and more.
This collaboration serves a crucial purpose: to streamline the inspection process for establishments.
This not only reduces the administrative burden on establishments but also ensures a comprehensive assessment of compliance with various regulations.