The Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) conducted a market investigation into the distribution of food and other essential products. AFTA concludes that for many branded products sold in Aruba, there is only one distributor. This reduces competition and leads to higher prices. If these products are also imported by other distributors through so called parallel import, there will be more competition. This will bring prices down. Restrictions of parallel import are prohibited. AFTA may impose fines in case of violations.

In a short video, the chairman of the board of the AFTA, Roly Sint Jago, explains the findings of AFTA’s market investigation. He says: “We promote an open market where fair competition contributes to lower prices, higher quality and more innovation.”

If different distributors sell the same product, they must compete on price. This will lead to lower prices. Brand owners may decide to only appoint one official distributor for Aruba but it is prohibited to obstruct parallel import. If companies do this, AFTA may impose fines. Companies and consumers who suspect that parallel import is obstructed are invited to notify AFTA so that it can start a targeted investigation.

AFTA is the independent and impartial authority of Aruba that oversees the proper functioning of markets. Our supervision focuses on protecting competition in accordance with the law. We investigate markets in Aruba through requests for information, interviews and (un)announced site visits. Companies are legally obliged to cooperate with AFTA’s investigation. AFTA will take action to prevent and, when necessary, penalize anti-competitive conduct by companies. In 2026 AFTA will also have the power to enforce consumer rights. For the full report click here.