Acodeco to increase surveillance during Panama Black Weekend 2026

The Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition Authority (Acodeco) will deploy personnel nationwide during the Panama Black Weekend 2026, scheduled from October 2 to 4. The agency aims to ensure that commercial offers, which include discounts of up to 70% on selected merchandise, are real, clear, and compliant with Law 45 of 2007.

Inspections will focus on advertising, discounts, pricing, and applicable terms. This increased surveillance follows findings from the 2025 event, where Acodeco inspected 318 commercial premises and identified 42 advertising anomalies, 112 expired products, and 185 establishments that failed to display prices clearly. Previous irregularities included promotions without expiration dates, vague “while supplies last” claims without specifying quantities, and undisclosed restrictions.

Acodeco reminds merchants that they must clearly display both the previous and new prices and specify if a promotion applies to the entire store or specific items. Consumers are advised to compare prices, check product conditions, demand and keep receipts, and verify all terms and validity dates before completing a purchase.