P.R. Laws tit. 23, § 1004
In addition to the functions transferred by this chapter, the Consumers Service Administration shall have under its charge the following basic functions:
(1) To study the problems of the consumer and the best manner of protecting their interest.
(2) To compile, evaluate and divulge the existing legislation and regulation for protecting the consumer and to recommend the legislation deemed necessary for such purposes.
(3) In coordination with the other agencies and departments of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, promote and watch over the enforcement of all laws, rules, regulations and orders which affect the interest of the consumer.
(4) To educate and guide the consumer in the adequate solution of their consumption problems and in the best use of their income and of their credit, using therefor all techniques and means of communication within its reach.
(5) To promote the establishment of quality standards for products of use and consumption and to require their fulfillment.
(6) To establish the necessary coordination with other government agencies and organizations for the effective canalization of the education and guidance of the consumer in accordance with the programs and activities of each agency.
(7) To attend consultations and offer technical and legal advice to the consumers.
(8) To attend and investigate complaints presented by the consumers of goods and services acquired or received from the private sector of the economy, to take the corresponding action according to law, and to refer said complaints, when necessary, to the corresponding organization, agency, or department promoting, in keeping with the laws and regulations in effect, the most rapid and effective solution of the stated matters.
(9) To represent the public consumer before any private entity or public organization in any matter affecting or which might affect the interest of the consumer.
(10) To serve as mediator, on request of the interested party, in the solution of controversies arising between consumers and suppliers.
(11) To stimulate the formation of nonprofit private groups of consumers, exclusively engaged in protecting and watching over the interest of the consumer.
(12) To promote in benefit of the consumers fair and honest practices of commerce and industry in their transactions with the consumers, and to such purposes prepare Codes of Ethics to which merchants and industrialists operating in Puerto Rico may voluntarily subscribe or to use any other mechanism entailing the same results. For the greatest effectiveness of this function the Director shall carry out the necessary coordination with the Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Administration, the Department of Justice and with any other agency or department which he may deem convenient, as well as with the industry and commerce in general.
History —June 27, 1968, No. 148, p. 438, § 4, eff. July 1, 1968.