AFTA law reduce card transaction fees in Aruba as part of its agenda for 2026, aiming to strengthen consumer protection and improve market conditions on the island.
The Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) recently presented its priorities for the coming year. One of the most significant initiatives involves developing a legal proposal to lower the fees charged on transactions made with payment cards.
Consumer Protection Law Takes Effect
The year 2026 marks an important milestone for AFTA as it begins official supervision of consumer protection regulations in Aruba. On March 15, World Consumer Rights Day, the new law governing consumer protection supervision will officially come into effect.
From that date forward, AFTA will have the authority to intervene when collective consumer rights are violated.
In preparation for the launch of these new responsibilities, AFTA will also host a Consumer Car Rally on March 14, encouraging participants to learn about their consumer rights through a fun and competitive activity.
Focus Areas for 2026
Throughout the year, AFTA plans to focus on several industries where consumer protection and market fairness are particularly important.
The authority will concentrate on areas such as:
-
The automobile industry
-
Air conditioner warranty policies
-
Container transportation services
-
Card payment transaction fees
These sectors were identified as areas where consumers may face challenges or higher costs.
Market Investigations Planned
As part of its strategy, AFTA will conduct a market investigation in the automobile industry to better understand the challenges faced by both consumers and businesses during the process of buying and selling vehicles.
Additionally, the authority will evaluate the level of compliance with warranty regulations and consumer rights protections in Aruba.
AFTA also plans to publish the results of a market study on container transportation, which is expected to be released during the first quarter of the year.
Proposal to Lower Card Transaction Fees
One of the key initiatives announced is the plan to develop a legislative proposal to reduce fees on card transactions.
The proposal follows the conclusions of a 2025 investigation that examined the high cost of payment card transactions in Aruba. According to AFTA, these fees are significantly higher compared to other regions.
As a result, approximately 45 million Aruban florins leave the local economy each year due to these transaction costs.
Reducing these fees has therefore been identified as a top priority, as it could benefit both businesses and consumers by lowering operational costs and encouraging digital payments.
Stronger Enforcement Measures
AFTA also reminded businesses that cooperation with its investigations is mandatory under the law.
The authority pointed to enforcement actions taken by the Fair Trade Authority Curaçao, where companies have been fined for failing to cooperate with investigations.
AFTA board member Roly Sint Jago emphasized that companies in Aruba should understand the consequences of non-compliance.
“We will respond more firmly than before when companies fail to provide the information requested within a reasonable time,” he said.
Role of AFTA
The Aruba Fair Trade Authority operates as an independent and impartial regulator responsible for ensuring that markets function properly for both businesses and consumers.
The authority monitors economic sectors, investigates potential violations of competition or consumer protection laws, and can take action to prevent unfair business practices.
Through its new initiatives and proposed legislation, AFTA aims to strengthen consumer rights and promote fair competition in Aruba’s economy.
