There is still room for progress to combat the high cost of living in Guadeloupe, via the Quality-Price Shield (BQP) system. A report on the controls carried out by DEETS has been published. The pricing practices of 22 establishments in the archipelago were inspected in September 2024.
The prefecture of Guadeloupe communicated, the day before yesterday (Thursday October 3, 2024), the conclusions of the controls carried out as part of the fight against the high cost of living and the Quality-Price Shield (BQP) agreements.
22 establishments, large and medium-sized, were subject to audits to ensure the proper application of this system created in November 2012.
The results show relative good practices, with some room for improvement.
The latest version of the Price Quality Shield dates from 2022, the year when the system, aimed at offering consumers basic necessities at low cost, was renegotiated. It was in the context of the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
In the archipelago, this agreement is valid in the four brands over 2000 m2for 105 products, for an overall basket whose cost must not exceed €314 including tax. For the same amount, the eight stores between 1000 and 2000 m2 must offer 103 products. And, finally, for a basket of 69 products, the ten distributors of less than 1000 m2 must not go beyond €173 including tax.
Of the 22 brands monitored, the system is “ relatively well respected by the stores involved in this agreement » BQP, concludes the Department of Economy, Employment, Labor and Solidarity (DEETS).
The main problem noted by the agents concerns the non-compliance with the signage and the unavailability of the products. The agreement requires, in fact, the display of the list of products, at the entrance to the store as well as on the shelves, with BPQ signage. The store also undertakes to offer an equivalent replacement product in the event of a shortage.
A brand, whose name is not specified, was singled out for exceeding the overall budget. The price displayed on the shelf increased at the checkout to a higher amount.
These breaches were the subject of 10 warnings, notified in writing.
The State promises to continue to ensure the proper application of the BQP. The Palais d’Orléans in Basse-Terre also reminds that the “Signal Conso” application allows customers to contact the General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) directly, to report any failure.
