During the first two days of the national operation “Back to school 2023”, The Directorate for Consumer Protection and Protection of Market Competition (Acodeco) conducted a check of 224 economic entities in order to verify the veracity of published offers.
Out of this total number of checks, 81 business entities correspond to regional ones.
As for the veracity of the advertising, three minutes are open due to the lack of a promotional duration date.
It is important that information about the special sale includes: the start and end date or minimum units to be offered; as chosen by the economic entity.
When a percentage is used, only the regular price should be shown and the discount is calculated on the stated price.
In addition, when goods are double priced and there is an advertisement indicating, for example, an additional discount of 20%, it is allowed and understood that the percentage refers to the lowest price.
As for the ITBMS collection (7%), in the list articles School supplies Compiled by 4 minutes, Acodeco reminds consumers to review the information on tax-free school supplies beforehand, as they must be visible in all stores that sell these items.
This exemption is valid throughout the school year. The second anomaly corresponds to a product without a price (1 minute).
In the scanner check, out of a total of 44 institutions in the province of Panama and San Miguelitoin the case of snack boxes and school supplies, 57% of anomalies were registered, along with 31 errors with overcharges, i.e. charges higher than announced.
Acodeco notes that you can submit your complaints via WhatsApp and Telegram at 6330-3333accounts of Acodeco social networks on Facebook, Twitter and the website of this institution.
Source: Panama America

I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.