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CCPC Warns Traders Against Unfair Practices Ahead of Black Friday

Lusaka, Zambia – (26-11-2025) -- The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned traders to uphold fair trading practices ahead of Black Friday, citing a history of misleading promotions, defective products, and other consumer exploitation during high-traffic shopping periods.

Speaking in Lusaka today, Eunice Phiri Hamahvwa, Executive Director of the CCPC, said Black Friday and other peak shopping seasons often create opportunities for some businesses to mislead consumers.

“Consumers must exercise caution and practice responsible shopping by comparing prices, inquiring about warranties and guarantees, and checking refund and return policies,” Hamahvwa said. 

She highlighted that many shoppers fall prey to impulse buying, which can lead to dissatisfaction and disputes once products are purchased.

Hamahvwa cited previous Black Friday events where traders displayed misleading disclaimers, sold defective or expired products, or falsely advertised discounts. 

She warned that some businesses falsely claim discounts on products already sold at the same price prior to the promotion, a practice that is anti-competitive and illegal under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010, as amended by Act No. 21 of 2023.

The Commission stressed that enterprises found guilty of unfair trading practices face penalties of up to 10 percent of annual turnover or 500 penalty units for smaller violations. 

Hamahvwa explained that even minor infractions could result in substantial fines, particularly for larger businesses.

She also highlighted improvements in trader conduct over the years, crediting consumer awareness campaigns and advocacy programmes. 

“Last year, we recorded only one complaint concerning a disclaimer, and no cases of defective products,” Hamahvwa noted. She urged consumers to assert their rights, emphasizing that informed shoppers encourage traders to behave lawfully.

In addition to monitoring compliance, the Commission conducts market inspections, weekly price tracking, and public awareness campaigns to ensure fair trading during peak shopping periods. 

Hamahvwa urged businesses to use Black Friday as an opportunity for genuine competition, rather than exploiting consumers with misleading promotions.

She concluded by stressing that the power to ensure fair market behaviour lies with informed consumers as well as effective regulatory oversight.

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