Paraná’s new Consumer Defense Code addresses contemporary issues in consumer relations

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 (CDC) since 1990. This is the assessment of attorney Larissa Nishimura, a specialist in 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 over 30 years ago. Among them, the obligation to notify a debtor about inclusion in credit protection agencies. Or, situations related to financial loans to the elderly, given the numerous scams targeting this demographic,” states Larissa. According to the attorney, the document, sanctioned in September 2024 and in effect since March 2025, stipulates that the name of a delinquent debtor can only be reported to credit protection agencies after 30 days of default, with the debtor being notified at least five days in advance. 

Furthermore, anyone providing a loan to an elderly person, pensioner, or retiree may only do so through a physically signed contract with presentation of an identity document, or via a simple electronic signature. “This provision is to prevent the many scams perpetrated by individuals using authorizations via telephone, application, photograph, or voice recording. It is a way to protect this more vulnerable demographic, who are susceptible to such crimes,” explains the attorney. Another measure that may also benefit this group is the mandatory availability of packages with a minimum of 30 tablets for those on continuous medication. 

“The code also establishes a way to curb the notorious cosmetic repairs that used car dealers perform,” Larissa explains. From now on, dealerships and resellers must inform in writing, prior to the sale of a car, if the vehicle has had issues such as collision, flooding, has been through auctions or recalls, among other incidents. Similarly, financial institutions must disclose the full amount of any fee-based service charge, whether through ATMs, telephone, or internet. “In this way, in both cases, the consumer has the option to choose whether to purchase or hire the service.” 

In addition to these unprecedented inclusions, the Paraná Consumer Defense Code establishes rules against over-indebtedness, an end to unwanted automated calls, promotions with previous prices visible, mandatory translations in advertising containing foreign words, the right to physical menus and clear payment methods in bars and restaurants, among others. “These are measures aimed at updating and incorporating elements of today’s reality and daily life.”