Stakeholder Engagements
As part of our commitment to consumer protection, the ICCC also engages with stakeholders at various levels.
a. ICCC Agents
The ICCC through its MOU signings with provincial administrations has ensured that there are ICCC agents act as liaisons between the ICCC and consumers, businesses, and industry associations in these provinces. The ICCC Agents have been empowered to carry out functions such as receiving and considering consumer complaints and queries, gathering information or data on prices/fares declared goods & services, monitoring minimum service standards of regulated industries/entities and business conduct, and then reporting them to the ICCC.
Some of the specific duties for the ICCC Agents include:
Receiving and reporting consumer issues/complaints;
Monitoring and enforcing PMV and taxi fares;
Monitoring prices of Declared Goods;
Monitoring and enforcing Indicative Retail Prices on fuel;
Carrying out Product Safety inspections;
Monitoring and reporting on the performance of regulated service providers;
Collaborating with relevant provincial-based stakeholders such as the Provincial Health Authorities, Urban Local Level Government/town authority, the Commerce Advisor, PNG Power Limited, Water PNG, including others and taking joint-enforcement action on consumer issues that fall outside the ICCC’s mandate; and
Identifying and reporting on the use of Trade Measurement (TM) equipment by businesses in the province.
b. Inter-Agency Memorandum of Understandings
One of the aims of the ICCC is a whole-of-government approach to consumer protection. A key strategy the ICCC uses is signing MoUs with government and state agencies to promote consumer protection and interests. These MoUs enhance collaboration, enabling coordinated efforts to protect consumer rights and ensure fair competition. By sharing resources and expertise, the ICCC and other government agencies can effectively address issues that span sectors, promoting economic growth and safeguarding consumer interests.
The ICCC has MoUs with the following government agencies:
These Business Development Officers are located in the following provinces:
c. Consumer Protection and Competition Consultative Committee (CPCCC)
The ICCC encourages the ICCC to engage with stakeholders (Government agencies, the private sector, and NGOs).
The establishment of the CPCCC as an informal forum brings together departments and agencies of Government, industry, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and debate consumer protection and competition matters relating to the ICCC Act; enabling legislation of the Commission; and the work of the ICCC as it relates to Government policy and industry operations.
The ICCC hosts these meetings twice a year to bring awareness to the business community about business responsibilities in consumer protection.
d. International Engagement
The ICCC also works in collaboration with international consumer agencies with a wealth of diverse experiences, insights, and best practices in consumer protection. The interaction with these agencies enables the ICCC to enhance its strategies, policies, and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that the rights and interests of PNG consumers are safeguarded more effectively. Moreover, this partnership fosters cross-border cooperation in addressing transnational consumer issues, contributing to a safer and more informed marketplace for PNG consumers.
The ICCC has international engagements through networks such as:
