Consumer protection authorities in the Brazilian state of Alagoas have imposed a fine of R$101,627.50 (around $20,000) on Apple for offering iPhones devoid of what they considered an “essential item for normal use of the product.” This penalty underscores persistent worries about consumer rights and product availability in Brazil.
The controversy arises from Apple’s choice to eliminate the power adapter from the iPhone packaging, a decision that regulators claim violates Brazil’s Consumer Defense Code. As per Procon-AL, the consumer protection agency in the state, this approach transfers the burden of acquiring necessary accessories to consumers, violating the principles of good faith, transparency, and consumer vulnerability.
At first, the fine was approximately $12,000, but it was subsequently raised to around $20,000 due to aggravating factors in Brazilian law and Apple’s inadequate response to the grievances. This is not the first time Apple has faced fines in Brazil concerning this matter. In 2022, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice mandated a halt on iPhone sales in the country over the same issue, following a prior penalty of about $2 million in 2020 for failing to include the charger.
Following the recent decision, Apple’s subsidiary in Brazil has a period of 20 days to contest the ruling. If the appeal fails, the fine will be modified according to Brazil’s IPCA-E inflation index, potentially heightening the financial implications for the company.
This ongoing situation highlights the significance of consumer protection in Brazil and the expectations for companies to deliver complete products that fulfill consumer requirements without imposing extra expenses for essential accessories.