Retailers Face Fines Up to Rs 250,000 Under New Voucher Law

Consumers in Mauritius are now better protected against misleading commercial practices after the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection enacted the Consumer Protection (Price and Supplies Control) (Coupons and Gift Vouchers) Regulations 2025. This new law, which establishes a clear legal framework for using coupons and gift vouchers, was introduced following numerous complaints about unfair practices, including short or unclear expiry dates, ambiguous terms, refusal to accept valid vouchers, and false advertising.

Key New Provisions

The ministry has introduced key distinctions and new obligations. The new law differentiates between paid gift vouchers, which consumers purchase and which represent a monetary value, and promotional coupons, which are distributed free of charge by retailers for discounts or special offers.

• All coupons and gift vouchers must now clearly display their expiry date, terms of use, and any restrictions, such as excluded products, minimum purchase amounts, or specific points of sale.
• Paid gift vouchers must have a minimum validity period of six months from the date of issue. Additionally, their value must be honoured for an extra three months after expiration if the voucher is unused, unrefunded, and in good condition.
• Retailers are also now obligated to notify customers at least one month before a voucher’s expiration via SMS, email, or another convenient method.

Stricter Enforcement and Penalties

The regulations strictly prohibit unfair practices, including refusing to accept a valid voucher, disseminating misleading information, or promoting fictitious offers without sufficient stock. Retailers found in violation of these rules face significant fines.

• First-time offenders can be fined between Rs 10,000 and Rs 100,000.
• Repeat offenders may face fines of up to Rs 250,000.

The ministry urges all retailers to comply with these new obligations and encourages consumers to carefully check the terms and conditions of their coupons and gift vouchers. Any misuse or non-compliance can be reported to the ministry’s Consumer Affairs Unit or via the hotline at 185.

Source: Defi Media