WILLEMSTAD – Gift cards sold in Curaçao may not have a validity period of less than one year, Fundashon pa Konsumidó has reminded consumers ahead of Valentine’s Day, a time when many people purchase gift vouchers as presents.
According to the consumer organization, the Civil Code of Curaçao, Book 6, Article 236, stipulates that a gift card must have a minimum validity of one year. Any shorter validity period is legally considered unreasonably burdensome to the consumer and is therefore not permitted.
Fundashon pa Konsumidó notes that gift cards are popular because they allow recipients to choose their own products or services. However, the foundation warns that consumers should carefully review the terms and conditions before making a purchase.
If a retailer offers gift cards with a validity period of less than one year, the organization advises consumers not to buy them. The foundation is also encouraging the public to be more aware of their rights and to take a more critical approach when making purchases.
At the same time, Fundashon pa Konsumidó is calling on business owners to comply with the law and ensure that the expiration date of any gift card is never shorter than one year.