National Consumer Commission Accreditation

The KSA received official certification and recognition by the National Consumer Commission and thus the Consumer Ombudsman in August 2024 and was one of the first two industry associations to receive this accreditation.

In addressing complaints that allege contravention of the CPA, the NCC:

• Promotes the resolution of disputes between consumers and suppliers,
• Conducts investigations against those suppliers allegedly engaging in prohibited conduct,
• Refer matters for prosecution to the National Consumer Tribunal, and
• Promotes compliance with the CPA through advocacy, education, and awareness.

The NCC further, has the responsibility to protect consumers from hazards to their well-being and safety by ensuring that goods that may be unsafe or pose a potential risk from their continued use or exposure to them, are recalled.

The Consumer Protection Act gives the consumer several fundamental consumer rights, in line with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the United Nation’s Guidelines on Consumer Protection. Any infringement of these rights is an act of non-compliance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. A consumer of goods and services can file a complaint with the NCC, should their consumer rights be undermined by a supplier.

Certification of the Association means that where issues arise between the consumer and a KSA member the KSA now acts with the authority and recognition of the NCC. It also means they recognise the KSA as independent experts in the kitchen and built in cupboard industry.

In becoming a certified consumer organisation it also means that KSA members do not need to be registered with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman - their membership of the KSA serves as their registration with an official consumer body.