Consumer Goods and Services Ombud

WHO WE ARE

The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) is an impartial, independent dispute resolution scheme established under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008, The CGSO is an independent body created to enforce the Consumer Goods and Services Industry Code of Conduct, which aims to protect consumer rights, promote fair business practices, and resolve disputes between consumers and suppliers.

OUR MISSION
The CGSO’s mandate, bolstered by the Consumer Goods and Services Industry Code of Conduct, compels all qualifying businesses to register with the Ombud and contribute to its funding.
This ensures the sustainability of the service, which is provided free to consumers. As of 2024 February, the CGSO has grown to include over 1,835 participants, representing more than 26,872 outlets across the country. However, this is still far from the total number of eligible businesses in the sector.

Recognizing the importance of fair contribution, the CGSO has recently taken a firmer stance against non-compliant businesses. “For years, we focused on advocacy and awareness to encourage companies to join the Ombud scheme,” says CEO Queen Munyai. “However, with many businesses still failing to comply, we have now partnered with MRT Recoveries to ensure that delinquent suppliers are held accountable.’’

This partnership marks a significant shift in the CGSO’s strategy. Suppliers who continue to ignore their obligations will face legal action, including the recovery of outstanding fees. This crackdown is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about ensuring a level playing field for all businesses and protecting consumers from unscrupulous operators.

The CGSO’s approach sends a clear message: compliance is not optional. The Ombud is committed to upholding consumer protection and will use all available tools to ensure businesses contribute fairly. It’s about maintaining marketplace integrity and ensuring consumer trust.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?
Companies are registered with the CGSO at the group level; thus, the number of registered participants excludes subsidiaries and individual outlets as these are deemed compliant if the head office has registered. The fee structure is based on annual turnover as follows:

REGISTRATION IS QUICK AND EASY
To register with the CGSO, simply click here.

Alternatively, suppliers can submit their Participant Application Form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can also call us at +27 (0)11 781 2607 and a CGSO Business Development Officer will take you through the registration process. For more information, please visit the CGSO website: www.cgso.org.za We look forward to welcoming you as an accredited participant of the CGSO.