Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with the increasing prevalence of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok being used for commercial transactions, my Ministry has noted a significant rise in complaints concerning misleading advertisements, unfair trading practices and a lack of transparency in dealings with online sellers. In response to these concerns, the Fair-Trading Act has been amended to empower my Ministry to formulate specific regulations governing electronic commerce including activities conducted via social media platforms. Accordingly, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has initiated the drafting of the E- commerce Regulations 2025 which aim to introduce a robust legal framework for regulating the sales of goods and services over digital platforms. These regulations will cover all forms of online trading in Mauritius including those conducted through social media.

87 Formal consultations on the draft regulations commence on 12 February 2025 with key public sector stakeholders. These were followed by a second round of consultations on 10 April 2025 with representatives from the business and consumer sectors including with Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), the General Retailers Association (GRA) and the Association des Consommateurs de l’île Maurice (ACIM). These stakeholders were invited to review and submit proposals on the preliminary draft. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, these regulations will apply to all e-commerce activities within the Republic of Mauritius and are intended to protect consumers while ensuring that all traders including those operating on social media adhere to fair and transparent practices.

M. le président, avec votre permission, concernant les produits contrefaits qui sont vendus en ligne, l’honorable ministre peut-il nous dire quelles sont les mesures qu’il compte apporter afin de protéger les consommateurs ?

Well, we will definitely look into it.

Thank you. Hon. Members, the Table has been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/439, B/446, B/449, B/450, B/453, B/456, B/458, B/459 and B/460. Now, the Second Member for Grand’Baie and Poudre d’Or. GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AMENITIES – PUBLIC ACCESS – EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES