AMERICAS: PERU

CONSUMER CODE BILLS UNDER DISCUSSION
Author: Teresa Tovar, Estudio Echecopar

At the present time, a specialized committee of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) is reviewing a bill prepared by the Executive for the approval of a Consumer Code. In parallel, the Consumer Defense Committee of the Congress is promoting the discussion of an alternative bill for the approval of a Consumer Code.

The objective of these initiatives is to include in a single legal body all provisions related to consumer protection. The PCM bill has been hardly criticized by businessmen since it includes several protectionist provisions, as well as other redundant or unnecessary rules. Regarding this proposal it is noteworthy that it includes provisions related to commercial advertising and promotions (despite the fact that these subjects are already subject of specific regulations), so its adoption may generate significant legal changes to current legislation on those matters.

While there is no certainty about which of the projects will be approved, it is expected that by the end of March 2010 Congress will enact a Law approving a Consumer Code.