Consumer Goods and Services Industry: Replacement Code of Conduct Gazetted

Posted 11 November 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Consumer Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has gazetted a new replacement industry code of conduct for the consumer goods and services sector, which will take effect on 1 December 2026.

In terms of section 82 of the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008, the replacement code will supersede the previous industry code of conduct published in March 2015. The final code follows the draft version published for public comment in May 2026.

The covering notice further confirms the formal accreditation of the industry’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme, to be administered by the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO). The code establishes enforceable minimum standards of conduct expected of industry participants when transacting with consumers and serves as the benchmark for resolving disputes arising within the supply chain.

Scope and Core Provisions

  • Effective Date: Enters into force on 1 December 2026, at which point the March 2015 code is repealed and replaced.
  • Accredited Scheme: Formal accreditation of the CGSO as the recognised alternative dispute resolution scheme for the sector under the Act.
  • Binding Minimum Standards: Prescribes required business practices regarding consumer interactions, terms of trade, disclosures, and dispute escalation processes.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Familiarise yourself with the accredited CGSO complaints process and updated minimum standards under the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008 to properly advise affected corporate entities.
  • For your business: Audit your organisation’s existing consumer-facing contracts, warranty terms, and dispute resolution workflows to ensure operational alignment ahead of the 1 December 2026 deadline.
  • For your clients: Advise retail, manufacturing, and distribution clients on their CGSO participation obligations, including participant levy contributions and adherence to the updated code’s minimum fair-practice standards.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/consumer-goods-services-replacement-code-of-conduct-gazetted

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