Aiming to protect consumer rights by monitoring consumer markets, Consumer Council established the 'Code of Practice' for 'Certified Shop' retailers in the furniture retail industry. It is pointed out in the 2013 Policy Address that strengthened monitoring on consumer markets and enforced regulations, including the review of 'Certified Shops' mechanism, will be carried out to safeguard consumer rights. Consumer Council points out the importance of establishing 'Codes of Practice' for industries under its 'Certified Shop' mechanism, 'the 'Codes' not only serve as a channel to monitor the business of 'Certified Shops' but also establish a fair and harmonious relationship between traders and consumers, as the 'Codes' allow both sides to solve their disputes promptly. Businesses that are not listed in the 'Certified Shop' mechanism also agree the 'Codes of Practice' build up a positive image for their industries. The Council has established various 'Codes of Practice' for different industries in the past 10 years, the most recent ones include the 'Codes' for photographic equipment supplies and photo printing services, optical retail industry, and souvenir retailers (specialty foods). Consumer Council recently established the 'Code of Practice' for furniture retail industry in response to the increased consumption of finished/stock or custom-made furniture by consumers. The 'Code' includes general regulations for the industry, and two parts specifically aimed at finished/stock products and custom-made products. 'Certified Shop' furniture retailers believe the 'Code' enables both traders and consumers to pay attention to general problems arise from their transactions and helps avoid disputes. The Council indicates that the 'Code' is established based on the opinions of furniture retailers, the operation of the industry and issues from the most common consumer disputes related to the industry. As the implementation of 'Code of Practice' is one of the criteria in the annual assessment of 'Certified Shop', 'Certified Shop' furniture retailers are reminded to comply with this newly launched 'Code'. Further, in response to the changes in business model and clothing materials, the 'Code of Practice' for laundries and dry cleaners established in 2004 has been revised, aiming to ensure fair transactions between both retailers and consumers. The Council will continue to review the 15 'Codes of Practice' and revise accordingly for a fair and harmonious consumption market in Macao. The 'Codes of Practice' for the furniture retail industry and laundries and dry cleaners (revision) will be printed as leaflets and are now able for download on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo).
