CAC Warns Against Excessive Pricing Beyond Trade Act Declaration

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has cautioned that it will not overlook excessive pricing of items beyond those listed in the declaration under the Trade Act.

The current declaration, issued by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on October 24, ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall four days later, clearly specifies the materials and supplies afforded protection.

“Under Jamaican law, price gouging (excessive pricing) refers to [instances] when retailers, distributors or traders take advantage of a national emergency and increase prices excessively on items that are needed to recover from that disaster or emergency. We [wish] to advise consumers and business owners that the definition [outlined] in the declaration by the Prime Minister [applies to] the materials and supplies that consumers would need to recover from the hurricane,” CAC Communications Specialist, Dorothy Campbell, said.

The declaration covers a range of personal care items, including soap, cleaning products, antibacterial supplies, toiletries, alcohol, hand sanitisers, feminine hygiene products, diapers, bleach, and gloves. It also extends to surgical masks, prescription medication, and building materials such as tarpaulin, lumber, nails and zinc.

“[It also includes] electrical supplies, because a lot of homes have been flooded out, and so they will require rewiring of homes, [and] plumbing supplies. We want to remind retailers and consumers that there are also other items that are included under the declaration that are considered emergency. But those items are already covered under their own legislation,” Ms. Campbell said.

She emphasised, however, that the CAC will not [overlook] excessive pricing of any other item [beyond] those listed under the Trade Act,” she added.

The Communications Specialist further explained that individuals who believe they have been victims of price gouging must ensure they have supporting evidence.

“If consumers bring the evidence and the investigation is done after they’ve reviewed and assessed the evidence and it is taken to a parish court and proven that you are guilty of price gouging, the penalty is up to $1 million. When we talk about evidence, the consumer needs to ensure that they have a receipt; and a receipt in this circumstance, while we’re going through this [post-hurricane] recovery, can be a photograph,” Ms. Campbell stated.

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is the designated agency to receive reports of price gouging.

However, if individuals are unable to reach the Commission online or by phone, they may relay the information to any government official from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce present in their area, who will ensure the matter is passed on.

For those with access, reports may be submitted via the CAC website at cac.gov.jm, through the Commission’s social media platforms, or by calling 876‑619‑4222.