Measures Proposed to Safeguard Online Shoppers in Mauritius

In an important move to regulate the burgeoning realm of online commerce, Michaël Sik Yuen, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, convened a pivotal meeting this Thursday, 17th April, with a multitude of stakeholders invested in consumer rights and trade. This gathering marks a significant step in the formulation of a legislative framework aimed at governing the activities of online sales.

As the number of digital transactions continues to surge unabated, authorities are keen to establish a legal structure that not only safeguards consumers but also organises the online trading ecosystem.

This initiative has been met with approval from the Consumers’ Association of Mauritius (ACIM), which has likened the current state of online commerce to a veritable “jungle.”

Jayen Chellum, the association’s Secretary-General, lamented the plight of numerous consumers who have fallen prey to scams, particularly on social media platforms.

The association has documented a troubling array of complaints of this nature.

“It takes but one individual to post a product, request payment via a bank account or mobile application, and the customer is left empty-handed, never receiving their order.

We have witnessed such cases both locally and internationally,” he expressed with palpable concern.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive database of registered operators, each bound by clear obligations.

Among the measures under consideration are mandates for all online sellers to register with the authorities, secure a licence for legal operation, and adhere to specific standards, as elucidated by Chellum.

The broad strokes of this legislative project have been deliberated, with a preliminary draft of the regulations set to be dispatched to stakeholders in the near future, allowing them to offer their insights and recommendations.

This participatory approach seeks to craft a balanced text that reflects the realities of the local market while drawing inspiration from best practices observed globally.

“References have indeed been made to existing legal frameworks in other nations, particularly those that have successfully implemented systems of traceability and accountability for online sellers. This endeavour is also being aligned with the existing laws in Mauritius,” he noted.

For Jayen Chellum, this forthcoming legislation signifies a crucial advancement towards a more reliable, secure, and well-regulated online commerce landscape in Mauritius, aimed at curbing abuses against consumers and fostering a safer shopping environment.

Source: l’Express