How does a consumer start a defective-goods or service complaint in Antigua and Barbuda?

Contact the supplier first by phone, in writing or electronically and request a specific remedy, such as repair, replacement, refund, exchange or compensation. If the supplier does not provide reasonable assistance, submit the complaint to the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division with identification, purchase details and supporting evidence.

Which remedies can consumer protection law provide for defective goods in Antigua and Barbuda?

Depending on the facts, the supplier may need to repair or replace the goods, provide a refund or pay compensation. The claim normally lies against the supplier rather than the manufacturer, and a general change-of-mind purchase does not normally create a refund right.

When can a consumer cancel a distance or subscription contract under consumer protection rules in Antigua and Barbuda?

For goods bought through distance or electronic marketing, cancellation is generally available within 14 business days after delivery; a service contract without goods generally has a 5-business-day period. A continuous service or subscription can generally be ended in writing with 30 days' notice without a penalty, while exceptions and longer periods can apply where licensing or Act requirements were breached.

When can the Consumer Affairs Tribunal hear a consumer complaint in Antigua and Barbuda?

The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division generally investigates after the consumer has first sought a solution from the supplier. The Consumer Affairs Tribunal can act after the Division has issued its report; the same complaint should not proceed simultaneously before the Tribunal and a court.

How does consumer protection apply to electricity and water billing by APUA in Antigua and Barbuda?

APUA generally uses a 30-day billing cycle and may disconnect an overdue electricity or water account after 30 days with a warning. A supplier complaint should come first, while the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division can provide an additional route when the dispute involves a consumer-law breach; meter or water issues can be reported through 211.

Consumer protection in Antigua and Barbuda

Consumer protection in Antigua and Barbuda gives private customers safeguards when they buy goods, services, contracts, travel arrangements or digital offers from businesses and professional suppliers. The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division handles information, price checks, investigations and support with refunds, repairs, replacements or other solutions. Complaints normally begin with the supplier and can proceed to the Division or, after its report, the Consumer Affairs Tribunal.

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The main framework is the Consumer Protection Act 2025 No. 7, which received Assent on 7 March 2025. The specific Gazette notice bringing the Act into force was not locally verified, although operational guidance from the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, also called the Consumer Affairs Department, shows practical application during 2025 and 2026. Older laws remain relevant, including rules on sale of goods, unfair contract terms, hire purchase, and the distribution and pricing of goods. These national rules apply across Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The Division is based in St. John's, and no separate local consumer affairs office on Barbuda was found in the available research.

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