No. We cannot control prices. Trinidad and Tobago subscribes to a free market economy where prices are determined by demand and supply, therefore, businesses are allowed to price items as they see fit. A free market economy, however, allows competition among businesses. That is why we encourage consumers to engage in comparative shopping. If a consumer believes that prices in one establishment are too high, we encourage that consumer feels empowered enough to refuse purchase and try other establishments, compare prices among establishments and make purchases where they feel most comfortable and confident that they are getting value for money.

The Division is committed to monitoring prices and providing the necessary price information to help make more informed purchasing decisions.

No. While we deal with food price information, the agency responsible for dealing with issues related to food is the Chemistry Food and Drugs Division (CFDD) of the Ministry of Health. The CFDD can be reached via their toll free hotline 800-2333.

As a consumer, you can seek redress for the following reasons:

• A defective item
• An item that cannot serve the purpose for which it was intended
• An item that does not match what you were led to believe you purchased.

If you purchase an item and it does not perform its integral function, then you have grounds for a complaint. If you decide to seek redress you should:

• Stop using the item
• Avoid trying to fix the problem
• Notify the company of your complaint at once
• Return the item (if you can)
• Take along the receipt or other proof of purchase.
• Speak with the Manager or Owner about the problem
• Contact the CAD via email if the problem is still not rectified on consumeraffairs@gov.tt
• Ensure that you give a clear description of the problem in the body of the email
• Keep a copy of the email sent
• Scan receipts and other supporting documents and attach them to the email
• Be sure to include your name, address, telephone contact, age and occupation in the email
• You can visit the following offices:
  • Port of Spain (Head Office)  – Level 16 Nicholas Tower, Nos. 63-65 Independence Square – 623-2931-4
  • Chaguanas – Chaguanas Borough Corporation, 154-14 Chaguanas Main Road
    Thursdays | 9a.m. to 3.p.m.
  • Couva –Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee (SILWC) Building, Corner Dov and Balisier Avenue
    Wednesdays | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Penal – Penal/Debe Regional Corporation Building, No. 218A S.S Erin Road, Debe.
    Mondays | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Point Fortin – Engineering Department, Point Fortin Borough Corporation
    Tuesdays | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Proof of purchase such as a cash register receipt, a written receipt with that includes some endorsement or stamp to identify the business or a printed invoice along with any other documents in support of your claim such as repair invoices or job cards.

While the Division makes every effort to conclude investigations promptly, or within a 3-month limit, and without incurring another complaint, each complaint is unique and presents its own circumstances and peculiarities. Every attempt is made to keep complainants informed of the progress and they are encouraged to stay in touch with the Advocate assigned to their complaint.

During the course of an investigation a business may provide full cash refunds, however, others may opt to exchange the item or give a partial-refund or other forms of legitimate redress.

No. The agency responsible for dealing with issues related to telecommunication companies is the Telecommunication Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). The TATT can be reached via their toll free hotline 800-8288.

No. The agency responsible for dealing with issues related to banking and financial institutions is the Office of the Financial Services Ombudsman (OFSO). The OFSO can be reached via email info@ofso.org.tt or telephone 625-4835.

CARREX is a real time, regional, information exchange system developed to address consumer concerns related to unsafe non-food products. It incorporates market surveillance systems across fifteen (15) CARICOM Member States to safeguard consumers.

Consumers in Member States of the CARICOM can submit complaints on all defective non-food products purchased in their respective countries through an online portal.  The link to this portal is provided for you.  https://www.carrex.caricom.org