DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION: WHAT RELEVANCE OF APPLICATION UNDER CAMEROONIAN LAW

Abstract

Over the years, an increasing number of defective and unsafe products have been marketed to make quick profits resulting to widespread consumer exploitation and Cameroon has not been indifferent. Giving the scorge of widespread consumer exploitation, it is no surprise that consumer protection has gained important worldwide. In the age of globalisation, consumer protection guidelines and legislation are necessary at international a d national levels to ensure a safety of consumers. Taking into consideration international and national legislations governing health products; how effective is the protection  of consumers agaisnt defective products by Cameroonian law?. The 2011 Consumer Protection law is aimed at protecting consumers by relating business transactions and practices. It provides an overall framework for consumer protection with one of purposes being preventing exploiting or harm to consumers. The Penal code in a bid to protect consumers from defective products, section 258(1)  punishes those who are involved in the sales of illegal, counterfeit, falsified and non authorized medications. Section 224 of the OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Law requires the product to be mechantable, fit and aimed at protecting the consumer. Though these provisions are scattered throughout statute making the enforcement of limited protection it provides, very difficult. Consumers are well protected when they know their responsibilty and fulfill them. As long as Cameroon continues to grow economically, the concept of consumer protection must have a state of constant change.