The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has urged sellers, suppliers and consumers to pay close attention to the quality, completeness and required product information when buying or selling Atapirikara and Pirikara items.

The CAA said Direction No. 55, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 1918/20 dated June 11, 2015, requires Atapirikara and relevant Pirikara items, or their packaging, to display the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), the manufacturer’s or importer’s name, address, telephone number and date of manufacture.

The requirements also apply to individual Pirikara items, including single-layer and double-layer robes, under-robes, bowls and waistbands.Consumers have been advised not to select an Atapirikara based solely on its appearance, packaging or price. They should check whether the required information is available and, where possible, inspect the items inside before making a purchase.

The CAA said its inspections have found instances where single-layer robes were included instead of double-layer robes, sets were incomplete, razors were rusted and bowls were damaged or dented.The authority has also advised traders to verify the identity and details of their suppliers and maintain invoices, bills and other records to establish the source of the products. Sellers of sealed or pre-packed sets have been urged to check that all items are present and in suitable condition before placing them on the market.Where practical, traders should allow consumers to inspect the relevant items before they are packed, particularly when requested by the buyer. Consumers may also ask sellers to pack their selected Pirikara items in their presence.

The CAA stressed that traders cannot avoid responsibility by claiming that they did not manufacture or pack the products or that they received them in a defective condition from a supplier.Consumers have been advised to obtain and retain their bills or receipts after purchasing Atapirikara or Pirikara items.

The CAA noted that these items carry significant religious and cultural value and called on all parties involved in the supply chain to ensure that consumers receive complete, properly identified and quality products.

The authority said it will continue inspections and enforcement action against violations under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.