About ODCA - Enforcement Unit
The Role of the Enforcement Unit of the ODCA is to actively protect the interests of the Consumer by ensuring that Consumer Protection Legislation is complied with. The Unit works in close co-operation with the Inspectorate and conducts Market Surveillance under the terms of a variety of Statutory Instruments and European Directives.
The Enforcement Unit is split into two groups - Enforcement Unit 1 and Enforcement Unit 2.
The remit of Enforcement Unit 1 includes:
<!--EZCODE LIST START--><ul><li>Toy Safety</li><li>Electrical Goods</li><li>Price display in Shops, Pubs and Restaurants</li><li>Textile and footwear labelling</li><li>Timeshare and Holiday clubs</li><li>Misleading Advertising</li><li>Telecommunications</li><li>Unfair terms in consumer contracts</li></ul><!--EZCODE LIST END-->
The remit of Enforcement Unit 2 includes:
<!--EZCODE LIST START--><ul><li>Labelling of Pre-Packaged food products.</li><li>Distance Selling.</li><li>Air Travel and Package Holidays</li><li>Below Cost Selling.</li><li>Unfair Terms in Housing Contracts.</li><li>Adulterated Alcoholic Drinks.</li><li>Merchandising Marks.</li><li>International Marketing Supervision Network.</li></ul><!--EZCODE LIST END-->
The units conducts pro-active surveillance of the areas as well as investigating complainants made by members of the public. The Units can and do prosecute violations of consumer protection legislation in the district court. They also liase with Business and Industry groups to improve the level of compliance with Consumer protection legislation.
The Units were established in September 2002. Enforcement Unit 1 is staffed by 1 AP, 2 HEO's, 2 EO's, 1 SO and 1 CO. Enforcement Unit 2 is staffed by 1 AP, 1 HEO and 4 EO's.