Peru (PE)
Peru combines world-class food, ancient Inca heritage, Pacific coastline, Amazon rainforest, Andean cities and one of Latin America's lower cost-of-living profiles.
Consumer Rights
Right of withdrawal, contracts and debt collection in Peru.
Consumer protection in Peru is governed primarily by the Código de Protección y Defensa del Consumidor (Law 29571, 2010) and enforced by INDECOPI (Instituto Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia y de la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual). INDECOPI handles complaints about defective goods, misleading advertising, unfair contract terms, and service failures. Crucially, formal businesses must maintain a Libro de Reclamaciones (physical or virtual complaints book) — consumers have the right to use it and the business must respond within 30 calendar days. Keep receipts, screenshots, contracts, and Libro de Reclamaciones reference numbers for all significant transactions.
Right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)
Peru does not have a universal EU-style 14-day withdrawal right for all online purchases. Return and cancellation rights depend on the Código de Protección y Defensa del Consumidor, the seller's stated policy, product condition, and whether the sale involved defective, misleading, or non-conforming goods. For defective goods: the seller must repair, replace, or refund. For distance sales: INDECOPI has established that consumers can withdraw from certain distance sales contracts — check the specific platform's policy. Major retailers (Falabella, Ripley, SAGA) and e-commerce platforms (Mercado Libre Peru, Linio) have their own return windows, typically 7–30 days for unused items with receipt.
Contract cancellation
Telecom contracts (Claro, Entel, Movistar, Bitel): minimum terms are common; cancel in writing through the operator's official channel. Mobile number portability is regulated by OSIPTEL — dial *611 from your mobile or visit the new operator to initiate porting. Gym memberships and subscription services: governed by contract terms; INDECOPI has ruled against unreasonable cancellation fees in several cases. Insurance: follow the insurer's written cancellation procedure. Always get written cancellation confirmation.
Auto-renewal clauses are common in Peruvian service contracts (internet, gym, insurance, streaming). The Código de Protección y Defensa del Consumidor requires that auto-renewal terms be clearly disclosed. If an auto-renewal was not adequately disclosed, it may be challenged with INDECOPI. Diarise contract renewal dates and give written cancellation notice before the renewal window. Request written confirmation.
Debt collection — response deadlines
Informal reminders: Creditors typically contact by WhatsApp, SMS, email, and phone. Verify the debt and creditor identity before responding to collection contact. Request a written itemised statement for any disputed debt. Keep records of all communications.
Court order: Formal debt recovery proceeds through civil courts. For amounts up to S/ 50 URP (approximately S/26,000 in 2026): Juzgado de Paz Letrado (simplified process). Larger amounts: Juzgado Civil. Creditors may also initiate notarial protest for dishonoured cheques. A court judgment allows enforcement through wage garnishment or bank account seizure.
Response deadline: Respond to formal legal notices and court summons within the deadline stated (typically 5–15 business days). Ignoring court documents results in a default judgment against you. Do not ignore notarial letters from creditors — they establish the formal demand date. Consult a Peruvian lawyer (abogado) for any significant dispute.
Consumer protection authority
INDECOPI — Instituto Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia y de la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual. Consumer complaints portal: consumidor.gob.pe. Phone: (+511) 224-7777 (Lima) or 0-800-4-4040 (free from provinces). File complaints online at Reclama Virtual (enlinea.indecopi.gob.pe/reclamavirtual). Sector regulators: OSIPTEL (telecoms — osiptel.gob.pe); SBS (banking and insurance — sbs.gob.pe); OSINERGMIN (energy — osinergmin.gob.pe).
Libro de Reclamaciones: request it at the business (physical or virtual); keep your reference number — business must respond within 30 days. INDECOPI complaint portal: consumidor.gob.pe or Reclama Virtual. Telecom disputes: OSIPTEL (osiptel.gob.pe or 1844 free). Banking disputes: SBS Defensoría del Cliente (sbs.gob.pe). Insurance complaints: SBS. Energy disputes: OSINERGMIN (osinergmin.gob.pe). Food safety: SANIPES or MINSA. Fraud: Policía Nacional del Peru (policia.gob.pe) and INDECOPI simultaneously.