One of the measured to deter the illegal practices by rogue trader is criminal sanction. The doorstep selling practices is regulated by the STPA and criminal offence in relation to the sales is provided under sec. 70 of the Act. For instance, in relation to the doorstep selling, unfair practices are prohibited in sec.6: the false representation, intentional omission and undue influence (sec.6(1)(i)(ii)(iii)). Offences to the protocol is imposed criminal penalties: up to 3 years imprisonment and/or up to JPY 3,000,000 as fine (sec.70(1)).
Our government seems to decide to strengthen the criminal penalties, planning the maximum custodial sanction to pull up to 5 years imprisonments from current 2 years imprisonment for effective deterrent to offences.[1] A current criminal penalty is blamed as lower level, and it is not induce for rogue traders to be discouraged to the offence of the STPA. The growing number of violation to the STPA is proved it straightforwardly.
Above mentioned theme will be discussed in the panel of the Industrial Structural attached to the Ministry of Economic, Trade and Industry in coming meeting.
[1] http://www.sankei.co.jp/keizai/kseisaku/070604/ksk070604000.htm
