After researching and making consultation, the Consumer Council announced the “Code of Practice” for the Retail Industry of Mobile Phones to adapt the development and changes of the mobile phone retail market. The Council indicates that all “Certified Shops” in the mobile phone retail industry must abide by the Code, failure to do so will lead to the loss of entitlement to the “Certified Shop” emblem. The revised Code enables consumers to be informed of the origin of mobile phones, terms for product exchange, as well as the right of consumers to enjoy after-sales service.

Revised Code of Practice enhances transparency of product information

As some mobile phone brands have adjusted their after-sales service policies in recent years, to ensure the operability of the “Code of Practice” for the Retail Industry of Mobile Phones, and to better safeguard consumer rights, the Consumer Council started it revision work on the Code earlier.

The Code published recently enhances the transparency of information of the mobile phones retail industry, and helps consumers make more suitable choices. Mobile phone retailers that are “Certified Shops” are required to inform consumers about the exchange policy and warranty service of mobile phone brands before transaction is made, they also need to have the information of the brand’s repair station listed clearly in a prominent place at the premise and in the invoice; other information such as the original designated region of sale, such as ‘product from authorized Macao retailers’/’product from authorized HK retailer’, etc. must also be included in the invoice.

“Certified Shops” abide by Code of Practice to provide quality service

According to the Code, mobile phone retailers that are “Certified Shops” will carry on with the policy to exchange defective mobile phone for the same model and colour within 7 days of purchase, except in the case where the brand has other specific regulations and exclude any handling damages. Consumers purchasing mobile phones from “Certified Shops” are entitled to enjoy 1 year of free warranty service in which it should take no more than 45 working days for warranty repair service carried out for the defective product if there is no repair station in Macao.

Loss of entitlement of the emblem if “certified Shops” violate the Code

Mobile phone retailers are called on to follow the Code, “Certified Shops” that fail to comply with the Code or do not pass the annual evaluation will lose their entitlement to the “Certified Shop” emblem.

The Council indicates that the Code not only requires “Certifies Shops” to provide quality products and services to consumers, but also enhances the transparency of the market, it also helps to establish clearly the rights and responsibilities of both parties before transaction is made for the prevention of consumer disputes. Retailers outside the “Certified Shops” mechanism are also welcome to follow the different “Codes of practices” to help safeguard consumer rights.

The “Code of Practice” for the Retail Industry of Mobile Phones is now available in Chinese, Portuguese, and English. Leaflets can be fetched at the offices of the Consumer Council or downloaded on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo).

For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.