Opinion – Maria Inês Dolci: Stamps for suppliers are new challenges for Procon SP

Defense of consumer rights is a constant challenge, especially if it involves information about suppliers. The Register of Grounded Complaints of Sindec (National Consumer Defense System) gathers data from 675 Procon units, in 448 cities. Meets article 44 of the CDC (Consumer Defense Code). Now, it is necessary to carefully monitor the ‘Verified Company’ and ‘Efficiency’ seals, created by normative ordinances of the Procon SP Foundation, to verify if they expand the information to the consumer, without creating co-responsibility for the body.

I do not intend to hit the hammer on all issues relating to consumer relations. In addition to the CDC, there are many ordinances, resolutions, and other measures to address needs that occur over time. Nothing is watertight.

A good example is the opening of the Procon Racial service station, in partnership with the Zumbi dos Palmares University, where consumers can file complaints and clarify doubts about racism. It should become a great instrument for strengthening citizenship. Applause for Procon SP and for the university institution!

I spoke with four exponents of consumer protection, linked to the creation of the CDC, published books, lectures and courses dedicated to the topic.

The first to be consulted praised the proposal for the stamps. But he finds it difficult for companies to meet the requirements made to receive and maintain it, with a monthly average equal to or greater than 85% in the resolution factor of complaints classified in the agency, in the last three auditable months. He considers, however, that the seals open the way for suppliers to seek further qualification.

Like me, the other three ears have doubts about aspects of this initiative. For one of them, dean of the CDC, it is the supplier’s obligation, and not merit, to treat the consumer well. Therefore, it would not be entitled to distinctions for this behavior.

One of them questions what will be done if a company has both seals, and still commits illicit in relation to the consumer. It can generate, in some way, Procon’s co-responsibility.

For one of the main leaders who have already acted in the defense of the consumer, the ideal would be to strengthen and develop more and more the register of complaints, as well as the disclosure of the ranking of the companies that most harmed the client.

​Why do I discuss these seals, will I follow their results and make these preliminary repairs, with caution, since the ordinances that created them are only a few days old? Because Procon is the main resource available to consumers for their demands in almost all of Brazil.