Stating that there are enough elements to reduce the amount, the National Brewery has appealed the fine of $50 thousand imposed by Acodeco, after it was accused of alleged monopolistic practices.
In Panama, Acodeco will be able to decide on warranty complaints without going to court, when dealing with products worth up to $5,000 and in the case of vehicles, up to $30,000.
The Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco), reported that on February 22 a law came into force which is "...Law 14 of February 20, 2018, which extends the rights of consumers and increases the amount on which the Authority has competence to rule on complaints, up to B /.5,000.00 and for motor vehicles up to B /.30,000.00.This allows a significant number of consumers, whose cases could not be resolved directly, had to take their claims to the Courts to obtain a decision."
Four companies are being investigated for possibly having coordinated to manipulate prices in tenders in the dairy drinks market and to have divided up the market by geographical area.
The companies that are being investigated by the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) are Productos Nevada S. de R.L.; Global Products and Logistic Services, Inc .; Industrias lácteas, S.A; Food and Sociedad de Alimentos de Primera, S.A.
The new Law demands that distributors and importers of goods and services supply automotive parts for a period of up to 10 years after selling the vehicle.
From a statement issued by the National Assembly of Panama:
The full National Assembly approved on Tuesday, on its third reading, Bill No. 150, amending articles of Law 45 of 2007 on consumer protection and antitrust.
Farmers have denounced the fact that half of the investment needed for cultivation goes towards agrochemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and compost.
Despite the complaints from producers, who state that distributors of agrochemicals receive "... financing of up to 60% of what they sell to producers", who have to pay after selling their crops, the "...
In order to shorten court proceedings in the courts for competition, the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition has proposed reforming Law 45 of 2007.
The Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco), proposes reforming the law in order to shorten the delay in giving rulings in trials on competition, a situation that harms markets and their interaction with consumers.
Tuition and enrollment fees of 43 private educational institutions teaching Pre-school, Primary, PreMiddle and Middle (Bachelor).
The Authority for Consumer Protection and Antitrust, ACODECO, has carried out a non-probability sampling trial, which is based on a list of 43 private colleges who were sent note to invite them to participate in a survey which is carried out annually on registration and tuition fees of private schools in the City of Panama.
Starting July 1st controls will be applied on the maximum prices of products in a list of 22 staple goods.
Sirloin steak, rib steaks, ground beef, shanks, breast, pork chops, chicken, tuna, sausage, high quality rice, macaroni, bread, onion, yam, potato, domestic tomato, cassava, beans and lentils, are some of the goods whose prices will be controlled by the State, by decree in force from July 1, 2014, the first day of the new administration.
Missing or false information encourages consumers who are defrauded, to be mislead, especially with regards to vacation plans.
Reports have been made of huge losses worldwide due to scams related to vacation plans due to lack of tourist information and false advertising.
More than 42 consumer protection agents in Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Oceania will meet at the Forum entitled 'Improving Consumer Protection in a Global Economy', which is taking place in Panama until October 11.
The construction of megaprojects has caused a high demand for cement and an increase in the prices of the main material for the construction industry.
The fact that only two companies (Argos, and Cemex) lead the Panamanian market has caused prices to skyrocket because they are setting the price of this item. Experts expect that when demand for this raw material decreases, so will prices.
A comparative analysis of fees and nominal annual interest rates for the first week of August 2013 on credit and financing cards.
From information published by the Consumer Authority of Panama:
Background
"Credit Card: An instrument which is magnetic, electronic or using other technology from the execution of a credit agreement previously concluded between a financial intermediary and another person, in order to facilitate the lease of or to obtain goods and services or obtaining cash from business affiliated to the system. "
From 10th to 13th September Panama will host the International Forum Against Corruption in Public Procurement in Latin America and the Caribbean.
From a press release issued by the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition in Panama (Acodeco):
Panama will host an upcoming regional forum which will include discussion of techniques to tackle corruption and collusion in procurement processes and hiring in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Defence of Competition Authority has endorsed the sale of Planta Nevada to the Costa Rican company Dos Pinos.
From a press release issued by Cerveceria Nacional SA:
On Tuesday, May 7 ACODECO, The Defence of Competition (or Antitrust) Authority formally communicated through DNLC-Resolution # 012-13 OGC- the approval of the sale of Planta Nevada, producing milk, juices, and soft drinks, belonging to Refrescos Nacionales S.A.
With the increase in Panama in complaints about breach of contract with developers of housing projects, a new bill is being preparing in order to limit abuses.
Martesfinanciero.com reports that "A dramatic increase in complaints from buyers of properties against housing developers has forced the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition (acodec) to create a bill to limit abuses in the housing sector. "
In the last five years the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition of Panama resolved 1.676 lawsuits against developers and builders.
Prensa.com reports that "Consumer complaints against housing developers were resolved in the Reconciliation and Complaint Decision departments and agreements were achieved through judicial agreements, out-of-court settlements, repairs, clarifications, money returns and handing over properties, among other things. "
Beverage Industry Digital Magazine established in 1942, the oldest Spanish trade journal and the only beverage trade magazine serving the Latin American beverage market. It serves soft drink bottlers, brewers, bottled water...