TENZIN LHAKI | Thimphu
The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) conducted an ad hoc market surveillance inspection at Kaja Throm on January 13 to assess vendor compliance with consumer protection requirements, particularly mandatory price display and fair-trading practices.
The inspection formed part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency in market operations and ensure that consumers are provided with clear and accurate pricing information when purchasing goods and services.
Kaja Throm, also known as the Centenary Farmers Market, is a major commercial hub frequented by vendors and consumers, making compliance with pricing regulations a key concern for consumer protection authorities.
According to the inspection report, the primary objectives of the surveillance exercise were to assess compliance with mandatory price display provisions, promote transparency in the pricing of goods and services, and observe overall adherence to consumer protection rules and standards.
The inspection focused on whether vendors were displaying prices clearly and legibly, whether pricing information was complete and understandable, and whether vendors were operating in line with applicable market rules.
A total of 65 vendors operating within Kaja Throm were covered during the inspection. However, inspectors noted that a number of counters were closed at the time of inspection as the exercise was carried out on a Monday, a day when some vendors do not operate.
Despite this, the inspection team was able to assess a significant number of active vendors across different sections of the market.
The findings of the inspection revealed mixed levels of compliance among vendors. While some vendors met the required standards, others were found to be non-compliant with mandatory price display regulations.
According to the report, a portion of the vendors demonstrated compliance by displaying prices clearly and legibly at their counters.
These vendors met the minimum standards of price transparency required under consumer protection rules.
Visible and clear price displays were noted as contributing to better consumer awareness and facilitating informed purchasing decisions.
In contrast, the inspection identified several vendors who failed to comply with pricing requirements. Some vendors had not displayed prices at all, while others displayed price information that was incomplete or unclear.
The report noted that such practices have the potential to mislead consumers, reduce transparency in the marketplace, and undermine fair competition among vendors.
The Authority highlighted that the absence of clear price displays may prevent consumers from comparing prices effectively and could expose them to inconsistent pricing practices.
As a result, ensuring compliance with mandatory price display requirements remains a central aspect of consumer protection enforcement at market places such as Kaja Throm.
Based on the findings, enforcement measures were taken in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Centenary Farmers Market.
The inspection team imposed on-the-spot fines on three vendors who were found to be non-compliant with mandatory price display provisions.
These enforcement actions were taken to address violations observed during the inspection and to reinforce compliance with market rules.
In addition to the fines, vendors who were found to be non-compliant were instructed to immediately rectify the identified issues.
They were directed to display prices clearly and ensure that their trading practices align with consumer protection requirements in order to avoid further sanctions.
The inspection report states that the outcomes of the surveillance exercise have been recorded for follow-up monitoring, indicating that compliance levels may be reviewed in subsequent inspections.
The inspection concluded that while some vendors operating at Kaja Throm have demonstrated adequate compliance with price transparency norms, others require improvement to meet consumer protection expectations.
The report emphasizes that sustained compliance with pricing regulations is essential to maintaining market integrity and safeguarding consumer rights.
The Authority underscored the importance of transparent pricing mechanisms in promoting fair trading practices and ensuring that consumers are treated equitably.
To enhance the effectiveness of compliance efforts, the inspection team recommended continued and frequent routine inspections at Kaja Throm and other marketplaces.
Regular monitoring, according to the report, would help reinforce compliance behavior among vendors and ensure that consumer protection standards are consistently upheld.
The report also recommends targeted awareness and sensitization initiatives for vendors. Such initiatives are intended to improve vendors’ understanding of regulatory requirements and highlight the importance of transparent pricing practices.
By increasing awareness of consumer protection obligations, authorities aim to encourage voluntary compliance and reduce instances of non-compliance.
The CCAA has stated that market surveillance activities form an integral part of its mandate to protect consumers and promote fair competition.
Inspections such as the one conducted at Kaja Throm are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer rights and improve market transparency.
The findings from the January 13 inspection provide insight into current compliance levels at one of the country’s key marketplaces and highlight areas where further improvement is needed.
The Authority has indicated that follow-up monitoring will be conducted to assess whether corrective measures have been implemented and whether vendors continue to comply with mandatory price display regulations.
As consumer markets continue to grow and diversify, enforcement of price transparency rules remains a critical component of consumer protection.
The inspection at Kaja Throm reflects ongoing efforts by regulatory authorities to ensure that both consumers and vendors operate within a fair, transparent, and regulated trading environment.
