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 Protection Code since 1990. This is the assessment of lawyer Larissa Nishimura, an expert on the subject and member of Batistute Advogados. 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 addressing current 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 inclusion in credit protection agencies. Or, situations related to financial loans to elderly individuals, given the many scams targeting this group,” says Larissa. According to the lawyer, the document, enacted in September 2024 and in effect since March 2025, states that the name of a defaulting party can only be submitted to credit protection agencies 30 days after the default, with the debtor being notified at least five days in advance.
Additionally, anyone granting a loan to an elderly person, pensioner, or retiree may only do so through a physically signed contract, with proof of identification, or a simple electronic signature. “This provision is to prevent the many scams involving phone, app, photograph, or voice recording authorizations. It’s a way to protect this more vulnerable and susceptible group from such crimes,” the lawyer explains. Another measure benefiting this group is the requirement to provide packaging with a minimum of 30 tablets for those on continuous medication.
“The code also establishes a way to curb the common ‘cosmetic fixes’ used by used car dealers,” Larissa explains. From now on, dealerships and resellers must inform buyers in writing, before selling a car, whether the vehicle has had issues like collisions, flooding, auctions, recalls, or other incidents. Similarly, financial institutions must disclose the full cost of a service charge, whether via ATM, phone, or internet. “This way, in both cases, the consumer can make an informed decision to purchase or contract the service.”
Beyond these unprecedented inclusions, the Paraná Consumer Defense Code sets rules against over-indebtedness, an end to unwanted robocalls, promotions with visible previous prices, mandatory translations in advertisements with foreign words, the right to physical menus and clear payment options in bars and restaurants, among others. “These measures aim to update and address elements of today’s reality and daily life.”
