Consumer Protection

This is the law relating to the protection of the consumers and consumer rights. Consumer protection law that includes the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and before that the Consumer Protection Bill. Many people incorrectly refer to it as the Consumer Act.

As a corporate law firm, Michalsons focusses on helping organisations and businesses comply with the CPA, by reviewing or drafting terms, legal notices, returns policies and other services. In this way we ensure that businesses and organisations enhance their relationship with the customers by ensuring transparency and clarity.

We can also advise how the provisions of the CPA interact with the the provisions of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA).

Michalsons recommends that consumers in need of protection follow these steps., particularly when they are concerned with how they have been treated or should they wish to return goods.

You can read our advice, or about the products or services we offer related to the Consumer Protection Act in the area below:

Returns Policy or Refund Policy in South Africa

Do you need a returns policy or a refund policy for South Africa? When can a consumer return goods or get a refund in South Africa? In this article, we examine the conditions under which consumers can return goods and [...]

Loot boxes in South African Law

Loot boxes are a popular mechanic in many video games. If you haven't been living under a rock for the past few years, you will have likely heard that Loot Boxes are quite problematic worldwide.  These items, often purchased with [...]

By |2025-06-09T22:47:54+02:00January 20th, 2025|Categories: Consumer Protection, Digital Entertainment Law|

How the Online Safety Act impacts game publishers

The Online Safety Act introduces significant obligations for game publishers, particularly those distributing games with online or interactive features. Understanding these requirements is crucial to avoid penalties, protect players, and ensure compliance. What is the UK Online Safety Act The [...]

By |2025-06-09T22:44:34+02:00January 13th, 2025|Categories: Consumer Protection, Digital Entertainment Law|Tags: |

How to Block Unwanted Calls, Phone Numbers and SMSs

Are you the target of direct marketing? Do you want to block calls from direct marketers or stop unwanted calls or SMSs selling you things? Direct marketing is the when goods or services are sold direct to the public rather than [...]

By |2025-02-25T16:22:49+02:00December 16th, 2024|Categories: Consumer Protection, Marketing Law, POPI and Data Protection|Tags: |

AI in retail: Use cases and essential considerations

In retail, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. AI has emerged as a game-changer, reportedly transforming how businesses operate and engage with customers. From personalised shopping experiences to efficient supply chain management, the potential of AI in retail is [...]

By |2024-08-26T21:31:41+02:00January 30th, 2024|Categories: AI Governance, Consumer Protection, Marketing Law|Tags: |

New levy on consumer businesses | Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO)

Have you received a letter with the subject line "Compulsory Participation in the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud" from Trifecta Capital acting on behalf of the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud? Did the letter tell you that you have to [...]

By |2023-06-15T13:37:16+02:00April 19th, 2020|Categories: Consumer Protection|Tags: , , |

Intellectual property in promotional competitions

You decide that as part of your new product, you want to run a promotional competition to promote it. You spend time trying to find the perfect prize and once you find one, you realise that you aren't sure if [...]

A Sale of Goods under the CPA

A sale of goods is never just about a supplier selling goods to a consumer, and simply applying whatever terms they wish to the transaction. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) applies to these transactions and provides consumers with a number [...]

By |2025-09-22T12:03:49+02:00November 22nd, 2017|Categories: Consumer Protection|Tags: , , , , , |

Rental Housing Amendment Act brings changes

The Rental Housing Amendment Act 35 of 2014 is the latest amendment to the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999. The Amendment Act introduces various changes that will impact the relationship between tenants and landlords. Many people do not realise the impact the [...]

By |2022-12-22T10:19:51+02:00January 13th, 2017|Categories: Consumer Protection|Tags: , , |

When a Retailer displays the Wrong Price

What happens when a retailer displays the wrong price? Let’s say, for example, the price displayed for a cell phone is R120 when it should be R1,200. The consumer sees R120 and thinks “Great, that is a good deal!” and [...]

By |2022-12-20T16:48:10+02:00January 12th, 2016|Categories: Consumer Protection|Tags: , |

The Consumer Protection Act – a heads up

The Consumer Protection Act came into force on 31 March 2011! Do you comply? The President of South Africa signed the Consumer Protection Act on 24 April 2009 and it was published in the government gazette on 29 April 2009. [...]

By |2022-12-09T14:05:57+02:00August 28th, 2014|Categories: Consumer Protection|Tags: , , |