Consumer complaints rise 5% in 2025 as CCAC secures over $156M in redress

…auto industry tops grievances with over $312M in disputed transactions

Five hundred and six consumers filed complaints with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) between January and December 2025, seeking redress for matters valued at approximately $509.6 million. According to the Commission, the number of complaints represents a five per cent increase when compared to 2024 and is attributed to ongoing public awareness initiatives encouraging consumers to assert their rights, while guiding suppliers on compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) No. 13 of 2011. The CCAC in a release to the media on Monday, reported that 428 complaints, or 85 per cent of the total received, were successfully resolved during the year. These resolutions resulted in redress valued at G$156.6 million. The remaining matters are currently in various stages of resolution. During the same period, the Commission conducted 1,331 business inspections across all administrative regions of Guyana. Initial inspections found 176 businesses or 13 per cent to be compliant with the Act, while 411 were deemed non-compliant. Following a process of re-inspections and guidance, 378 of the non-compliant businesses achieved compliance. However, 366 businesses remain non-compliant. The CCAC noted that re-inspections and public education efforts are ongoing to improve compliance levels nationwide. As part of its regulatory activities, the Commission issued 259 compliance certificates to businesses across the regions. An additional 75 certificates were renewed in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The auto, electronics and construction sectors accounted for the majority of consumer complaints. The auto industry recorded the highest value, with 156 complaints amounting to $312.7 million. Complaints in the electronics and electrical sector totalled 72, valued at $6.3 million, while the construction and building materials sector recorded 65 complaints valued at $131.3 million. Other areas included appliances, shipping and online shopping services.
In 2025, the CCAC also filed its first criminal complaint against a supplier in the Magistrate’s Court. The matter was resolved through settlement, resulting in redress for the consumer. This followed earlier civil litigation matters pursued by the Commission in the High Court, which similarly concluded with court orders or settlements in favour of consumers. The Commission stated that it will continue to strengthen its enforcement measures where necessary. It also reported receiving one complaint under the Competition and Fair-Trading Act, Cap. 90:07, during the year. Consumers are able to submit complaints online via the CCAC’s website at ccac.gov.gy. The Commission can also be contacted by telephone at 219-4410 or 219-4413, or via WhatsApp at 625-0557, for inquiries and guidance.