WILLEMSTAD - The Fundashon pa Konsumidó is warning consumers that gift cards with a validity period shorter than one year are unlawful under Curaçao’s civil code.

The foundation says it regularly receives complaints from customers whose gift cards have expired. Many consumers believe their cards should remain valid because the seller has already received payment, but in many cases, retailers impose shorter expiration periods.

Consumer Protection Under the Law

According to Article 236 of Book 6 of the Civil Code of Curaçao, a gift card must be valid for at least one year. Any shorter validity period is considered “unreasonably disadvantageous” to the consumer and therefore illegal.

Advice to Buyers and Retailers

The foundation advises consumers to check the validity period before purchasing a gift card and urges retailers to comply with the law by ensuring that all gift cards remain valid for a minimum of one year.

“Consumers have the right to fair terms, and businesses must respect the legal protection that guarantees this,” the foundation emphasized.