Brazil
Law · Legislation

Consumer Defense Code (Law No. 8.078 of 1990)

Summary:

This law establishes rules of consumer protection and defense, public order and social interest in accordance with articles 5, items XXXII, 170, item V of the Brazilian Federal Constitution and article 48 of its Transitional Provisions.

Description:

The Code establishes norms on consumer protection (in Portuguese, “proteção do consumidor”), characterizing it as a matter of public order and social interest. It also provides a regime of sanctions and administrative infractions, as well as rules for jurisdictional action.

The following elements should be underlined for the purposes of FULL the Global Food Laws Database:

  • Among consumer rights, several essential concepts are found: health protection, education and disclosure on the proper consumption of products, specific and adequate information, and protection against deceptive and abusive advertising (Art. 6).
  • It is foreseen that “the products and services offered in the consumer market will not present risks to the health or safety of consumers” (Art. 8).
  • The principle of advertising transparency is expressly recognized: “Advertising will be transmitted so that the consumer can recognize it as such, easily and immediately” (Art. 36).