Fair Trading Commission Barbados Information

The journey leading to the creation of this consumer protection, fair competition and utility regulatory body goes back to the middle of the last century. The Fair Trading Commission (the "Commission") evolved from its predecessor the Public Utilities Board which was responsible for regulating public utilities such as electricity and telephone services, from 1955 until 2001. However, as Barbados developed, the need arose for a new body with a broader mandate to deal with other areas which had become important such as fair competition and consumers’ rights. Thus, the Commission eventually came into being on January 2nd, 2001, through the Fair Trading Commission Act CAP. 326B. Our Duties: - Determining principles, rates and standards of service for regulated service providers; - Monitoring general business conduct; - Investigating possible breaches of the Legislation administered by the Commission; - Educating and informing businesses and consumers about the requirements of the legislation administered by the Commission; and - Taking enforcement action when needed.