In a significant regulatory development, the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division convened a crucial meeting with cellphone repair technicians on December 10th, 2025, to outline the comprehensive requirements of the newly enacted Consumer Protection Act 2025. The gathering, hosted at the Inland Revenue Department’s Conference Room under the leadership of Director Orrin Steele, brought together over 20 industry professionals to discuss the practical implications of the groundbreaking legislation.
The session revealed several transformative provisions that will fundamentally reshape operational protocols within the repair sector. Among the most notable mandates is the requirement for technicians to maintain detailed service records including consumer contact information, accurate descriptions of goods, replacement value estimates, labor cost breakdowns, and precise service timelines. These records must be formally presented to consumers in either printed or electronic format for written approval before commencing repairs.
While technicians expressed concerns about potential increases in operational costs, many acknowledged the long-term benefits of enhanced tracking capabilities for customer management and dispute resolution. The pricing transparency requirement emerged as particularly challenging, with technicians noting the difficulty in establishing fixed rates for services like unlocking, which fluctuate according to market conditions. The Division recommended implementing price ranges that reflect these variable market dynamics.
The legislation introduces severe penalties for misrepresentation of non-genuine parts, including fines up to $5,000 ECD or potential imprisonment for offenders. Technicians must now explicitly disclose the use of non-original components and clearly indicate this information on all receipts.
Additional provisions address post-repair retention periods, with the Division recommending a 90-day limit for storing repaired devices—a guideline that must be explicitly stated in service contracts. The Act also establishes clear protocols for additional repair authorization, protecting consumers from unauthorized charges while requiring technicians to obtain explicit consent before performing supplementary services.
The meeting also clarified policies regarding returns and layaway agreements, establishing that consumers cannot return non-defective parts for price-matching purposes while outlining specific conditions under which cancellation fees may be applied to layaway arrangements.
This collaborative dialogue between regulatory authorities and industry practitioners marks a significant step toward enhanced consumer protection while addressing the practical concerns of small business operators navigating the new regulatory landscape.