Registration process For APEDA

A complaint has to be filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action/ deficiency in service/defect in goods arises. However, a complaint may also be filed after two years, if the complainer satisfies the District Forum that he/she has sufficient reasons for not filing the complaint within such period. What is the provision for appeal?
• Aggrieved by the Order issued by the District Forum, appeal petition may be filed before the State Commission within 30 days from the date of receipt of Order.
• Aggrieved by the Order issued by the State Commission, appeal petition may be filed before the National Commission within 30 days from the date of receipt of Order.

A complaint may be made in writing under the following circumstances:

• Loss or damage is caused to the consumer due to unfair or restrictive trade practice of a trader or service provider;
• the article purchased by a consumer is defective;
• the services availed by a consumer suffer from any deficiency;
• a trader or service provider, as the case may be, has charged for the goods or for the service mentioned in the complaint a price in excess of the stipulated price;
• Goods or services, which will be hazardous to life and safety, when used, are being offered for sale to the public.

• Any consumer;
• Any voluntary consumer association;
• Central Government or any State Government;
• One or more consumers, where there are numerous consumers having same interest
• In case of death of a consumer, his legal heir or representative.

As per the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 a complaint can be filed in:

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF): If the value of the claim is upto ` 20 lakh
• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): If the value of the claim exceeds ` 20 lakhs but is within ` one crore.
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) If the value of the claim exceeds ` one crore