SingaporeA retailer refused to give a receipt. Is this an offence?
Yes, it is an offence for a retailer in Singapore to refuse to give a receipt upon request, as it breaches the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) imposes obligations on suppliers — including retailers — to act fairly and transparently in dealings with consumers. Section 4 specifically addresses the duty to provide receipts.
Under Singapore law, when a consumer makes a purchase from a retailer, they have the right to request a receipt. The retailer must provide one upon that request.
This requirement supports transparency, helps consumers exercise their rights (e.g., returns, warranty claims, or complaints), and enables enforcement of fair trading standards.
Failure to comply may constitute an unfair practice under the CPFTA, potentially leading to enforcement action by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
Statutory Text4. A supplier shall, on request by a consumer, provide a receipt for goods or services supplied to the consumer.
— Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, s. 4 — Duty to provide receipt
What to Do
Politely ask the retailer again for a receipt, clearly stating it is your right under the CPFTA.
If refused, note the date, time, location, and details of the transaction.
Report the incident to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) via https://www.cccs.gov.sg.
Keep any alternative proof of purchase (e.g., bank statement, e-receipt, photo of item/price tag) as supporting evidence.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.