The new law replaces the Consumer Protection Act 2000, as the previous legislation did not cover certain modern commercial practices, particularly online transactions to safeguard against fraudulent and misleading activities that now occur on the internet.

It introduces new powers for inspectors, including the ability to conduct spot fines (on-the-spot penalties) to encourage strict compliance with the Act.

This development follows extensive collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED), the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), building on Cabinet’s 2023 endorsement to begin work on the new legislation.

The Act aims to protect consumer rights and establish fair and equitable trade practices across Tonga.

The new Consumer Protection Act (2025) will take effect once it receives Royal Assent from His Majesty the King.