Mozambique (MZ)
Portuguese-speaking East African country with 2,500 km of Indian Ocean coastline, extraordinary marine parks, growing LNG energy sector, and low cost of living for expats in Maputo.
Consumer Rights
Right of withdrawal, contracts and debt collection in Mozambique.
Consumer protection in Mozambique is governed by the Consumer Protection Law (Lei de Defesa do Consumidor, Law 22/2009) administered by the Instituto Nacional de Defesa do Consumidor (INDECOM). Consumer rights are legally established but enforcement is inconsistent, and expats should approach disputes with realistic expectations. The most practical protection is prevention: use reputable service providers, always obtain written receipts and contracts, and document transactions. Formal consumer complaints through INDECOM are possible but slow. For significant disputes, an OAM-registered lawyer is more effective than the consumer agency.
Right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)
Mozambican consumer law provides a 7-day cooling-off period for distance contracts (purchases made online or by telephone) and contracts concluded away from business premises (door-to-door sales). For standard in-store purchases, there is no automatic right of return unless the goods are defective. Most Shoprite and larger retailers operate informal return policies for faulty goods — always keep your receipt (recibo). High-end electronics and appliances should be tested before leaving the shop. Markets and informal vendors typically do not accept returns.
Contract cancellation
Contracts for services (internet, mobile, gym membership, subscriptions) must specify the cancellation procedure. Most mobile and internet contracts in Mozambique have 30-day notice requirements. Read the contract terms (Contrato de Prestação de Serviços) carefully before signing. Automatic renewals are common in service contracts — many providers will auto-renew monthly or annually unless explicitly cancelled in writing. Request written confirmation of cancellation.
Service contracts in Mozambique (internet, mobile plans, gym) typically auto-renew monthly unless cancelled. Annual contracts for internet or security services may auto-renew for another year if notice is not given 30–60 days before the end of the term. Always read the fine print. Get cancellation confirmation in writing (WhatsApp or email is acceptable) and keep a record.
Debt collection — response deadlines
Informal reminders: Creditors typically begin with telephone calls and written notices (cartas de cobrança) before formal action. Mobile phone providers and utility companies will first suspend service then terminate the account for non-payment. Landlords will follow the terms of the lease agreement for rent arrears.
Court order: Formal debt recovery in Mozambique goes through the Tribunal Judicial da Cidade (Civil Court). Creditors must file a claim (acção executiva) to obtain a court order for debt recovery. Court processes are slow — typically months to years. Enforcement of judgments can be challenging.
Response deadline: If you receive a formal summons (citação) or debt notice from a court or creditor's lawyer, respond in writing within the stated deadline (typically 20–30 days). Ignoring a summons will result in judgment in default (revelia) against you.
Consumer protection authority
INDECOM — Instituto Nacional de Defesa do Consumidor (indecom.gov.mz). INDECOM handles consumer complaints, investigates unfair trade practices, and mediates consumer disputes. Located in Maputo with provincial offices. Complaints can be filed in person or via the INDECOM website. Realistic expectation: INDECOM is most useful for formal documentation of a complaint — resolution of disputes with large companies (mobile operators, utilities) through INDECOM can take months.
Consumer complaints: INDECOM (indecom.gov.mz) — file online or in person at provincial offices. Utility billing disputes: EDM (electricity) or FIPAG (water) customer service offices. Mobile billing disputes: Vodacom, Tmcel, or Movitel customer service centres. Banking complaints: Banco de Moçambique (central bank regulator) — bm.moz.com. Insurance complaints: ISSM (Instituto de Supervisão de Seguros de Moçambique) — issm.gov.mz. Food safety: ANSA (Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Alimentar). Court disputes: Tribunal Judicial da Cidade de Maputo for civil cases above MT 10,000.