The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is a statutory regulator established by His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar to protect the interests of consumers in Gibraltar and to ensure that a fair market is maintained. The OFT investigates consumer matters based on complaints received or its own investigations to identify and prevent any business practices or any features of a market in Gibraltar for goods of services which may be significantly harming the interests of consumers.
To follow is a list of some of the responsibilities undertaken by the OFT's consumer protection team:
Education: Raising consumer and trader awareness on their rights and responsibilities via awareness campaigns, seminars, presentations and publications on different topics of consumer concern;
Advice: Advising consumers and traders on their rights and responsibilities based on the enquiries or complaints brought to us;
Investigation: Investigating matters which could be causing harm to our local consumers;
Product Safety: Monitoring and testing products in our market to ensure their conformity with European Standards;
Advertisements: Monitoring adverts to ensure they are accurate and complying with the Misleading and Comparative Advertising Act;
Inspections: Ensuring shop notices are in conformity with consumer rights, prices are displayed, businesses licenses are up to date and that measuring and weighing equipment are calibrated;
Enforcement: Undertaking enforcement measures against businesses causing consumer detriment and monitoring that these measures are being adhered to; and
Legislation: Monitor changes in the UK and European consumer landscape and issuing recommendations for changes to our local legislation to try and maintain equal standards of consumer protection in Gibraltar.
Please visit the OFT's website for more information on Consumer Protection Rights and how to report a problem with a business