By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Rican shoppers prepare for the annual Black Friday sales event, the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) is launching a comprehensive operation to ensure that the promised bargains are both genuine and transparent. The ministry announced this Monday that its officials will be conducting on-site inspections at commercial establishments throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) this coming Friday, November 28th, to safeguard consumer rights.
The initiative aims to prevent misleading advertising and deceptive pricing strategies that can turn a hunt for deals into a frustrating experience for consumers. MEIC inspectors, who will be properly identified, will visit a mix of large retail chains and independent businesses to verify compliance with national consumer protection laws. The core objective is to guarantee that all promotions are clear and truthful, empowering shoppers to make secure and well-informed purchasing decisions during the high-stakes sales period.
To better understand the legal framework and consumer rights during this high-volume shopping season, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Black Friday is a significant commercial event, but it does not suspend consumer rights. Consumers must be vigilant against misleading advertising, particularly ‘fake’ discounts where prices were inflated beforehand. The law is clear: all products, even those on sale, have a warranty. Any store policy stating ‘no returns on sale items’ is illegal if the product is defective. We always advise consumers to keep their receipts and document the original offer, as this is crucial evidence if a claim needs to be filed with the Consumer Protection Office.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal clarification is a crucial reminder that the enthusiasm for deals must be balanced with consumer vigilance. The knowledge that fundamental rights, such as warranties and protection against misleading offers, remain firmly in place empowers shoppers to navigate the season with confidence. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this important matter.
Inspectors will follow a rigorous checklist designed to scrutinize the most common areas of non-compliance. A primary focus will be on price transparency. Retailers will be required to clearly display the final price of an item, inclusive of all applicable taxes. Furthermore, any product advertised as a special offer must also show its previous price, allowing consumers to accurately assess the value of the discount being offered. This measure directly targets the practice of inflating prices just before a sale to create the illusion of a significant markdown.
The verification process extends beyond just the price tag. Officials will be confirming the real, tangible benefit the consumer receives from a promotion. They will also ensure that businesses accept all standard forms of payment, such as credit and debit cards, for items on sale, preventing retailers from restricting payment options on their best deals. A crucial part of the inspection will be to cross-reference in-store offers with what has been advertised, ensuring that the promotions promoted in flyers, online, and in other media are actually available and match the terms presented.
The MEIC has established a clear protocol for handling violations. If an inspector detects an instance of non-compliance, they will first request that the business correct the issue immediately on-site. This could involve updating price labels or clarifying promotional terms. However, if an immediate correction is not feasible, the violation will be formally documented in an official report. This report will then be forwarded to the Directorate of Consumer Support (DAC) to initiate a formal administrative process against the business.
This year’s enforcement actions are complemented by a significant proactive campaign undertaken by the ministry in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. The MEIC has already provided training to more than 50 businesses, educating them on the specific regulations governing sales, advertising, and consumer rights. This educational outreach is aimed at fostering a culture of compliance and preventing violations before they occur.
In addition to the in-person training, the ministry has distributed 3,059 informational letters via email to a wide range of businesses across the country. These communications served as a formal reminder of their obligations regarding advertising, promotions, and the non-negotiable rights of consumers. This two-pronged approach of education and enforcement underscores a comprehensive strategy to protect the marketplace.
For consumers who have questions or wish to report a potential irregularity, the MEIC has made several resources available. The public can seek guidance and file complaints through the 800-CONSUMO hotline (800-266-7866). Additionally, the ministry offers a digital assistant chatbot, “PACO te asesora,” which is accessible via WhatsApp at 6140-9657, providing real-time assistance and information on consumer rights.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry, and trade. A key component of its mandate is the protection of consumer rights, ensuring fair and transparent practices in the marketplace. Through its Directorate of Consumer Support, the MEIC oversees compliance with consumer protection laws, investigates complaints, and works to educate both businesses and the public on their respective rights and obligations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark in the legal field, founded upon a cornerstone of unwavering integrity and a commitment to superior service. The firm not only pioneers innovative legal solutions for a broad range of clients but also actively engages in a mission to empower the public. Through its dedication to making complex legal concepts understandable, it strives to cultivate a more informed and capable citizenry, reinforcing the foundations of a just society.
