The main objective is to protect and ensure the process of free economic competition and free market participation, eradicating monopolistic practices and other restrictions that hinder the efficient functioning of goods and services markets, in order to preserve the superior interest of the consumer.
In the area of free competition defense, as of September 2025, the following has been recorded: • 78 companies fined a total of B/.3,788,511.67 following sentences for monopolistic practices. • 41 companies with judicial and 2 with extrajudicial transactions for a total of B/.2,110,000.00.
Scope of consumer protection under Law 45 of 2007: Protection against deceptive practices: the law requires that advertising be truthful and not misleading, and establishes that information about goods and services must be accurate and verifiable. Consumer rights: guarantees rights such as receiving clear and truthful information, and receiving a refund or the cancellation of a debt balance when a return applies. Procedures and sanctions: defines procedures for filing complaints and establishes sanctions for violations.
Scope of free competition defense: Prohibition of monopolistic practices: acts that restrict competition are prohibited, such as price-fixing, limiting supply, market division, or agreements in public tenders. Sanctions and mechanisms: involves sanctions for those who engage in these absolute monopolistic practices, and includes mechanisms such as a leniency program for the waiver or reduction of the fine payment. Control of economic concentrations: regulates mergers and acquisitions to prevent them from negatively affecting competition.
Law 45 of October 31, 2007, although not perfect legislation and requiring some changes, aims to make the Panamanian market fairer and more transparent, protecting both consumers from abusive practices and the defense of free competition.
Since the implementation of Law 45 of October 31, 2007, the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco), has resolved in favor of consumers, 41,672 complaints for a total amount of B/.443,021,047.89.
Furthermore, according to data compiled by the Acodeco Statistics Section, from 2008 to September 2025, 55,564 cases have been filed by different consumers for a total amount of B/.816,622,220.47 due to various irregularities during commercial transactions.
Other collected figures reveal that during the 18 years of validity of Law 45, the following anomalies have been detected: • Expired products: 2,316,492. • Without expiration date: 219,604. • Lack of visible prices: 1,782,675. • Damaged products: 64,960. • Fuel (gas stations, pumps, and tanks): 4,259 did not comply with verifications. • Scales: 4,616 removed for failing to meet minimum tolerances. • Net content (batches): 569,603 with irregularities. • Scanners: 3,838 establishments did not comply. • Degradation of fats (fryers): 2,264 with anomalies.
Law 45 of 2007 has a broad scope that covers two main areas: consumer protection and the defense of free economic competition.
