The new Consumer Defense Code of Paraná brings more current and broader obligations, as well as modernizes the transparent and fair relationship between companies and consumers, as already established by the national CDC since 1990. This is the evaluation of lawyer Larissa Nishimura, an expert on the subject, member of Batistute Advogados Law Firm. The document is the third created by a state, after Pernambuco, which took the initiative in 2019, and São Paulo (2023). According to the specialist, the new document presents forecasts that address current issues and, among the 323 articles, consolidates specific rules from various state laws into a single file.
"The code addresses issues that over 30 years ago were not questioned. Among them, the obligation to notify a debtor about their inclusion in credit protection agencies. Or, situations related to financial loans to the elderly, since many scams are targeted at this group," says Larissa. According to the lawyer, the document, sanctioned in September 2024 and in effect since March 2025, provides that the name of a defaulter 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 who grants a loan to an elderly person, pensioner, or retiree can only do so through a physical signature on the contract, with the presentation of an identity document, or a simple electronic signature. "This measure is to prevent the many scams by people who use authorizations via phone, app, photograph, or voice recording. It is a way to protect this vulnerable and susceptible audience," says the lawyer. Another measure that can also benefit this group is the requirement to provide packaging with a minimum of 30 tablets for those who use continuous medications.
"The code also establishes a way to curb the famous makeups that used vehicle resellers do," explains Larissa. From now on, dealerships and resellers must inform in writing before selling a car if the vehicle has previously had collision issues, flooding, has been auctioned, or recalled, among other incidents. Just as financial institutions must disclose the full amount of a charged service fee, whether through an ATM, phone, or internet. In this way, in both cases, the consumer has the option to choose to buy or hire the service.
In addition to these new inclusions, the Consumer Defense Code of Paraná establishes rules against over-indebtedness, the end of unwanted automatic calls, promotions with visible previous prices, mandatory translations in advertising with foreign words, the right to a physical menu and clear payment methods in bars and restaurants, among others. These are measures aimed at updating and reflecting elements of today's reality and everyday life.
