The new Paraná Consumer Defense Code introduces more current and comprehensive obligations, while modernizing the transparent and fair relationship between businesses and consumers, as already advocated by the national Consumer Defense Code since 1990. This is the assessment of lawyer Larissa Nishimura, a specialist on the subject and member of Batistute Advogados law firm. The document is the third created by a state, following Pernambuco, which took the initiative in 2019, and São Paulo (2023). According to the expert, the new document includes provisions that address contemporary issues and, among its 323 articles, consolidates specific rules from various state laws into a single file.
“The code addresses issues that were not problematic more than 30 years ago. Among them, the obligation to notify a debtor about their inclusion in credit protection agencies. Or situations related to financial loans to the elderly, given the many scams targeting this group,” says Larissa. According to the lawyer, the document, sanctioned in September 2024 and in effect since March 2025, stipulates that a debtor’s name can only be reported to credit protection agencies 30 days after default, with the debtor being notified at least five days in advance.
Additionally, anyone granting a loan to an elderly person, pensioner, or retiree can only do so through a physically signed contract with an identity document or a simple electronic signature. “This provision is to prevent the many scams involving phone authorizations, apps, photographs, or voice recordings. It’s a way to protect this more vulnerable and susceptible group from such crimes,” explains the lawyer. Another measure that benefits this group is the requirement to provide packages with a minimum of 30 pills for those on continuous medication.
“The code also establishes a way to curb the notorious cosmetic fixes used by used car dealers,” Larissa explains. From now on, dealerships and resellers must inform buyers in writing, before selling a car, if the vehicle has had issues like collisions, flooding, been auctioned, or recalled, among other incidents. Similarly, financial institutions must disclose the full cost of any fee-based service, whether via ATM, phone, or internet. “This way, in both cases, consumers can make an informed choice about purchasing or contracting the service.”
Beyond these unprecedented inclusions, the Paraná Consumer Defense Code sets rules against over-indebtedness, ending unwanted automated calls, promotions with visible previous prices, mandatory translations in advertising with foreign words, the right to physical menus and clear payment methods in bars and restaurants, among others. “These measures aim to update and address elements of today’s reality and daily life.”
