LHRC calls for more changes to the consumer protection law

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Law and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has proposed establishing accessible redress mechanisms, such as online platforms and consumer helplines, expanding public awareness and consumer education campaigns, and ensuring special attention to vulnerable groups in consumer markets.

That is among the four areas LHRC is advocating for Legal Reforms towards a strong consumer redress system, as it highlights the challenges that continue to face Tanzanian consumers despite recent legislative reforms.

It said to align with international best practices, such as the United Nations Consumer Protection Guidelines (2015) and the African Model Law on Consumer Protection (1996), it recommends amending outdated FCC procedures to align with the revised law.

Other recommendations include establishing accessible redress mechanisms, such as online platforms and consumer helplines, expanding public awareness and consumer education campaigns, and ensuring special attention to vulnerable groups in consumer markets.

A statement issued by the LHRC said that in October 2024, the Fair Competition Act (FCA) of 2003 was amended to give the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) jurisdiction over consumer complaints, a significant step in strengthening consumer protection. However, procedural instruments, such as the Complaints Handling Procedures of 2022, have yet to be updated to reflect this expanded jurisdiction.

It said that as a result, some complaints are still being referred to court, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the legal reforms.

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“The policy brief also shows that despite the FCC’s jurisdiction, public awareness and outreach remain limited, where according to the LHRC Human Rights and Business Report (2023/24), 35 percent of Tanzanians reported experiencing substandard products, but only 3 percent filed complaints with the relevant authorities,” it stressed in the statement.

It said this gap reflects a systemic disconnect between consumer needs and institutional responses.

“Countries such as South Africa and the United Kingdom provide important examples of specialized courts, digital complaint systems, and well-publicized helplines that make justice more accessible to consumers.

The LHRC has also emphasized that protecting consumer rights requires not only legislative reform but also institutional reform to ensure access to justice and efficiency for all Tanzanians.