reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter XXVI - Special Provisions (§§ 5721 — 5725) › § 5725 - Notice and publication

The Secretary shall proceed to notify the citizens of the provisions of this act from the date of its approval until its effectiveness, using the communications media that he/she deems pertinent, but in every case, shall publish a concise summary of the main provisions of the Act in a newspaper of general circulation.
Furthermore, an informational brochure shall also be published that contains an account of all the provisions of this chapter, although they may be summarized briefly. Said informational brochure shall be available in print so that all persons may request it in the Department of Transportation and Public Works and it shall also be published on the Internet.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 28.01, renumbered as § 27.01 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 28, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 1 - Manufacturing and Business Censuses (§§ 1 — 5) › § 1 - Time for taking census

The Governor of Puerto Rico shall, whenever he deems it of public advisability, direct that manufacturing and business, population and dwelling, agricultural and any other censuses be taken in Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 27, 1950, No. 11, p. 54, § 1; June 6, 1968, No. 68, p. 117, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 1 - Manufacturing and Business Censuses (§§ 1 — 5) › § 2 - Agreements with departments, agencies, bureaus or instrumentalities of the Government of the United States

The Governor of Puerto Rico may execute agreements with departments, agencies, bureaus or instrumentalities of the Government of the United States engaged in the taking of censuses, so that they may have charge of the works of taking manufacturing and business, population and dwelling, agricultural and any other censuses in Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 27, 1950, No. 11, p. 54, § 2; June 6, 1968, No. 68, p. 117, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 1 - Manufacturing and Business Censuses (§§ 1 — 5) › § 3 - Information; penalty for withholding; false

It shall be compulsory for any owner, officer, agent, manager or assistant of any company, business, institution, establishment, or other organization of whom information is sought by officers or representatives of the officers of the censuses authorized by §§ 1—5 of this title, to answer, correctly and in full, to his best knowledge and belief, all questions asked him through questionnaires prepared therefor, concerning his business or to statistics or records in his custody. Any person violating the provisions of this section by refusing to furnish any information requested shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in jail for a term of not more than three (3) months, or by both penalties, in the discretion of the court; and any person violating the provisions of this section by knowingly furnishing false information, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in jail for a term of not more than twelve (12) months, or by both penalties, in the discretion of the court.
History —Mar. 27, 1950, No. 11, p. 54, § 3; June 6, 1968, No. 68, p. 117, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 1 - Manufacturing and Business Censuses (§§ 1 — 5) › § 4 - Use of information

The information furnished hereunder shall be used solely for the statistical purposes for which it was furnished.
History —Mar. 27, 1950, No. 11, p. 54, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 1 - Manufacturing and Business Censuses (§§ 1 — 5) › § 5 - Penalties affecting census officials and employees

Any supervisor, enumerator, clerk, or other person so employed in taking the censuses authorized by §§ 1—5 of this title, who, without prior authorization publishes or divulges any information obtained by him in his capacity of employee of said census, shall be guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of not more than two (2) years, or by both penalties, in the discretion of the court; or if he should knowingly fill out a false questionnaire, he shall be guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of not more than five (5) years, or by both penalties, in the discretion of the court; or if he should knowingly falsely swear to and/or affirm the truth of any statement made and/or signed by him under oath or affirmation in accordance with the provisions of §§ 1—5 of this title, he shall be guilty of perjury and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of not more than five (5) years, or by both penalties, in the discretion of the court.
History —Mar. 27, 1950, No. 11, p. 54, § 5; June 6, 1968, No. 68, p. 117, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 2 - Credit Card Transactions (§§ 11 — 14) › § 11 - Prohibition on surcharge for credit card use

No merchant shall impose a surcharge on a consumer who chooses to use a credit card instead of cash, check or any similar means of payment in any transaction that involves the sale or lease of products and services.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 150, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 2 - Credit Card Transactions (§§ 11 — 14) › § 12 - Discounts

The merchant may, however, offer discounts so as to promote payment in cash, check or any other similar method that does not involve the use of a credit card, provided that said discount is offered to all potential buyers.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 150, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 2 - Credit Card Transactions (§§ 11 — 14) › § 13 - Definition

For the purposes of this chapter, the term “surcharge” means any increase in the regular price of a product or service imposed on the client by the merchant or lessor when using a credit card as a method of payment.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 150, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 2 - Credit Card Transactions (§§ 11 — 14) › § 14 - Penalties

Any person who as such or through a third party violates the provisions of this chapter and is convicted by a court shall be punished with a fine which shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or with the penalty of imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 150, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 5 - Sales in Fraud of Creditors (§§ 61 — 62) › § 61 - Bulk sales

The sale, by lots or in bulk, of the whole or a part of a stock of merchandise, not made in the regular course of business and in the usual and customary course of business of the seller, shall be considered as fraudulent and void insofar as it refers to the creditors of the seller, unless, at least twelve (12) days prior to the sale, the seller and the buyer shall make a complete and detailed inventory showing the amount thereof, and, as far as possible, through the exercise of reasonable diligence, the cost to the seller of every article to be included in the sale; and unless the buyer demands and obtains from the seller a written report with the names and addresses of the seller’s creditors and the amount owed to each of them, with a sworn statement from the seller to the effect that, according to his best information and belief, it is a complete and exact list of his creditors and debts; and unless the buyer, at least twelve (12) days before taking possession of such merchandise, or paying the price thereof, notifies, either personally or by registered mail, each and every one of the creditors whose names and addresses appear on said list, of the fact of the proposed sale and of the price, terms and conditions thereof.
History —Apr. 27, 1931, No. 60, p. 406, § 1, eff. 90 days after Apr. 27, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 5 - Sales in Fraud of Creditors (§§ 61 — 62) › § 62 - Bulk sales—Definitions

The words “seller” and “buyer”, as used in § 61 of this title, shall be applicable to corporations, associations or partnerships, and said section shall not be applied to the sales made by an executor, administrator, trustee, or grantee by virtue of voluntary cession effected for the benefit of creditors, receiver in bankruptcy, or by any public official in executing a judicial order.
History —Apr. 27, 1931, No. 60, p. 406, § 2, eff. 90 days after Apr. 27, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 7 - Sale of Theater Seats (§§ 91 — 94) › § 91 - Declaration of seating capacity

Any owner of a theater, [movie] theater, or of any other place devoted to public exhibitions, shall make a declaration and post the same to the public in a conspicuous place as to the number of seats that he has, and the classification thereof.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 300, p. 532, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 7 - Sale of Theater Seats (§§ 91 — 94) › § 92 - Sale of seats limited to capacity

At no time shall there be sold at the ticket office of any theater, [movie] theater or any other place devoted to public exhibitions more localities classified with seats than the number thereof available at said places, whether such are numbered or not.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 300, p. 532, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 7 - Sale of Theater Seats (§§ 91 — 94) › § 93 - Increase in seating capacity

Any theater, [movie] theater, or any other place devoted to exhibitions of public shows shall, upon application for a license, declare the number of localities available and if after the issuance thereof, the capacity of the place devoted to such purpose has been increased, it shall be so declared to the municipality in which it is situate[d].
History —May 15, 1938, No. 300, p. 532, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 7 - Sale of Theater Seats (§§ 91 — 94) › § 94 - Regulation by municipalities

Municipalities shall provide, by ordinance, rules and regulations for compliance with §§ 91—94 of this title, fixing a proper penalty for non-compliance therewith.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 300, p. 532, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8 - Sale of Real Property Located Outside Puerto Rico (§§ 101 — 104) › § 101 - Compliance with local laws

Any natural or [juridical] person who sells or offers for sale in Puerto Rico lands located outside of Puerto Rico, shall, before doing so, comply with all laws, regulations and orders of the country or state of the United States where such lands are located, related with the sale or offer for sale of realties.
History —June 6, 1963, No. 52, p. 79, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8 - Sale of Real Property Located Outside Puerto Rico (§§ 101 — 104) › § 102 - Penalty

Any natural or [juridical] person who sells or offers for sale in Puerto Rico lands located outside of Puerto Rico and who intentionally does any act prohibited, or intentionally fails to do any act required, by any provision of law, regulation or order related with the sale or offer for sale of lands, of any country or state of the United States, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof punished by a fine of not less than one hundred ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by confinement in jail for a minimum term of one (1) month or a maximum term of five (5) years, or both, in the discretion of the court.
History —June 6, 1963, No. 52, p. 79, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8 - Sale of Real Property Located Outside Puerto Rico (§§ 101 — 104) › § 103 - Advertising

Any person who publishes or causes to be published in Puerto Rico, in any newspaper, or over the radio or by television, or otherwise, any false, exaggerated or deceitful information with the purpose of inducing any person to buy or acquire any right in realties located outside of Puerto Rico, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalty prescribed in § 102 of this title.
History —June 6, 1963, No. 52, p. 79, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 112 - Warranty certificates

The sale in Puerto Rico of any goods and domestic appliances which contain warranty certificates in which Puerto Rico is not included in the cover of said warranty is hereby prohibited.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 93, p. 321, § 1, eff. 90 days after June 24, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 112a - Regulations

The Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs is hereby empowered to enforce §§ 112—112c of this title and to approve, amend or revoke those rules, regulations, orders and determinations that may be necessary for the enforcement thereof pursuant to the powers conferred by §§ 1001—1015 of Title 23.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 93, p. 321, added as § 2 on June 21, 1972, No. 26, p. 426, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 112b - Fines

The Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs is hereby empowered to impose fines, upon service of notice and holding of an administrative hearing, for any violation to the provisions of §§ 112—112c of this title, as well as to the orders that may be issued and to the regulations that may be adopted hereunder.
The fines imposed shall not be less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History —June 24, 1971, No. 93, p. 321, added as § 3 on June 21, 1972, No. 26, p. 426, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 112c - Petition for reconsideration

Within the ten (10) days following the promulgation of any regulation, order or resolution, any person affected directly by said regulation, order or resolution, shall file in writing a petition for reconsideration, setting forth his objections to the determination or any of its provisions. Any person aggrieved by a determination of the Secretary may, within the ten (10) days following the date of notice, file an appeal for review before the Court of First Instance, San Juan Part.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 93, p. 321, added as § 4 on June 21, 1972, No. 26, p. 426, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 113 - Separate documents

Separate documents for the sale contract and that of the service warranty, if any, shall be executed for every sale of domestic goods and appliances, or electronic devices in Puerto Rico. The warranty contract for services shall only be effective upon expiration of the term of the warranty of the article sold by the commercial establishment that makes the sale, or the manufacturer, whichever is greater. It shall also pay for labor in those cases that said payment is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. It shall also cover any defect or damage, as established in the warranty contract of the original product acquired. The service contract or warranty shall take effect as an exception in coexistence with the original guarantees, if it provides coverage on any element of the insured product that is not covered by said original warranty, and always providing for the payment of labor.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 95, p. 324, § 1; June 11, 1999, No. 129, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 113a - Optional contracts

Contracts or service insurances shall be optional and the vendor shall so state clearly and expressly to the vendee.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 95, p. 324, § 2, eff. 90 days after June 24, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 113b - Coercion prohibited

Every vendor of goods or domestic appliances shall abstain from pressing or coercing or otherwise influencing a vendee to execute a contract or acquire a service insurance with the sale of goods or domestic appliances.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 95, p. 324, § 3, eff. 90 days after June 24, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 113c - Penalties

Any person who violates the provisions of §§ 113—113d of this title shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment in jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both penalties in the discretion of the court.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 95, p. 324, § 4, eff. 90 days after June 24, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 8B - Sale of Goods and Domestic Appliances (§§ 112 — 113d) › § 113d - Complaints

Any person who has been forced to acquire a contract or insurance service as a condition for the sale of the goods or domestic appliances or who has been denied the sale for not having acquired a contract or service insurance, or has otherwise been affected by any act in violation of the provisions of §§ 113—113d of this title, may file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Department shall investigate the complaint and shall take the corrective action as may proceed pursuant to the faculties granted in §§ 1001—1015 of Title 23.
History —June 24, 1971, No. 95, p. 324, § 5, eff. 90 days after June 24, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 155 - Gas and electric units of measure—System recognized

The legal units of electric measure as defined and established by the statutes of the United States are the only units of electric measure recognized as legal in Puerto Rico.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 1, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 156 - Gas and electric units of measure—Gas unit of measure

The standard of unit of measure for the sale of illuminating or heating gas by meter shall be the cubic foot, containing sixty-two and three hundred and twenty-one thousandths (62.321) pounds, avoirdupois weight, of distilled or rain water, weighted in air, of the temperature of sixty-two (62) degrees Fahrenheit, the barometer registering a pressure of twenty-nine and one-half (29 ½) inches.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 2, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 157 - Gas and electric units of measure—Meters for gas, electricity, and water

Every company, corporation, association or individual furnishing gas, electricity or water for public consumption on the basis of measure shall provide the consumer with a meter, free of cost to the said consumer, and shall not put in use any meter unless it has been previously tested and found correct by the Bureau of Weights and Measures, in which office a complete register shall be kept of the original and subsequent tests made of each meter. If so desired, the company or person furnishing gas, electric current or water may appoint a representative to attend the test, for which purpose notice in writing shall be given by the Bureau of Weights and Measures as to the day and hour on which said test is to be made.
Where the apparatus is found correct, the Bureau of Weights and Measures shall seal the same and no person shall remove or break the said seal without the authorization of the said Bureau.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 3, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 158 - Gas and electric units of measure—Periodic meter tests

Meters in actual use shall be tested and sealed by the Bureau of Weights and Measures as the needs of the service may permit, and such tests may be also attended by a representative of the company or person furnishing gas, electric current or water; Provided, That after this first test the Bureau of Weights and Measures shall from time to time order other tests.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 4, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 159 - Gas and electric units of measure—Inspection for excessive measurement

On written petition of a consumer the Bureau of Weights and Measures may inspect and test any gas, electric or water meter which has been installed or put in service, where it is shown that the said meter has registered, without apparent cause therefor, an excess of twenty-five percent (25%) or more over the normal monthly expense represented by the average for the last six months.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 5, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 160 - Gas and electric units of measure—Inspection service; rules and regulations

The Public Service Commission is hereby authorized to organize, under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Weights and Measures, the inspection service required by §§ 155—163 of this title. It shall prescribe and promulgate such rules and regulations as in its judgment may be necessary for the execution of §§ 155—163 of this title. And it shall also establish reasonable specifications to which said instruments shall conform to secure the accuracy of all meters and appliances for measurement.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 6, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 161 - Gas and electric units of measure—Appointment of personnel

There shall be appointed by the Public Service Commission one (1) chief inspector of gas, electric and water meters, and two (2) assistant inspectors, who shall have charge of and be responsible for the technical part of the service, under the direction of the Chief of the Bureau of Weights and Measures. No person shall be eligible to this position unless he holds a diploma of electrician from a recognized school of electricity, or otherwise establishes the necessary competency of his technical knowledge. The Public Service Commission shall also appoint a clerk-stenographer who shall have charge of the office work of this service.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 7, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 162 - Gas and electric units of measure—Penalties

Any person, firm, company or corporation which by itself or by its servant or agent violates the foregoing provisions of §§ 155—163 of this title, or of the rules and regulations prescribed in pursuance thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be fined not less than twenty [dollars] ($20) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each violation.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 8, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 163 - Gas and electric units of measure—Appropriation

For the purpose of the payment of the salaries of the inspectors and of the clerk-stenographer, and for the purchase of the necessary apparatus and laboratory equipment, as well for traveling expenses and per diems of the inspectors, and for the transportation of equipment, apparatus, etc., and for any other expenses in connection with this service, a sufficient appropriation shall be made in the regular budget for each fiscal year.
History —June 19, 1919, No. 60, p. 328, § 9, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 164 - Paint labels—Definition

The term “paint” within the meaning of §§ 164—166 of this title shall include all materials which are designated for application to the surface of wood, metal, concrete, cement or plaster to produce an ornamental or protective coating.
History —Mar. 7, 1912, No. 36, p. 70, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1913.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 165 - Paint labels—Information required for label

Each container of paint that shall be sold or exposed or offered for sale in Puerto Rico shall show on the outside thereof the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor thereof or of the party for whom it is manufactured and shall show, in the case of paint in paste or semipaste form, the net weight in pounds or fraction thereof, and in the case of liquid paint, the net measure of the contents in gallons or parts thereof; and no paint shall be labeled, branded, marked or advertised in such manner as to deceive or tend to deceive any person as to its nature or composition.
History —Mar. 7, 1912, No. 36, p. 70, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1913.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 9 - Weights and Measures (§§ 121 — 166) › § 166 - Paint labels—Penalties

Any person, firm or corporation who shall knowingly violate the provisions of §§ 164—166 of this title, shall be liable to a fine of from one ($1) to fifty dollars ($50) for the first offense and of from fifty ($50) to one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.
History —Mar. 7, 1912, No. 36, p. 70, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1913.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10 - Cement (§§ 167 — 167f) › § 167 - Definitions

The following terms as used in this chapter shall have the meaning stated hereinbelow:
(a) ASTM. — Shall mean the “American Society for Testing and Materials”, a scientific and technical organization established in the United States to promulgate the development of standards in the characteristics and performance of materials, products, systems and services, together with the promotion of related knowledge.
(b) Cement. — Refers to all hydraulic cement that is plastered and hardened through a chemical interaction with water and that has the capacity [for] the same reaction under water, as specified by U.B.C.
(c) Department. — Shall mean the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(d) Distribution. — Shall mean the economic activity that entails the wholesale and retail sale of cement.
(e) Importer. — Shall mean every person who introduces to Puerto Rico any type of cement manufactured abroad.
(f) Manufacturer. — Shall mean every person who produces any type of cement in Puerto Rico.
(g) NIST. — Shall mean the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
(h) Person. — Shall mean every natural and juridical person and its representatives, agents, officers, mediators or subsidiaries of any of the above and their legal successors.
(i) Secretary. — Shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(j) U.B.C. — [Shall mean the] Uniform Building Code, 1997 edition; or any subsequent edition as adopted by the Regulations and Permits Administration (ARPE).
(k) Board. — Shall mean the Environmental Quality Board.
(l) NACLA. — Shall mean the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation.
History —Sept. 17, 2001, No. 132, § 2, eff. 60 days after Sept. 17, 2001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10 - Cement (§§ 167 — 167f) › § 167a - Quality requirements

All cement manufactured or imported into Puerto Rico shall comply with the mandatory and optional quality standards corresponding to the type of cement in question, according to Volume 04-01 of Section 4 of the ASTM Standards Manual, in its most recent annual review. Furthermore, it shall comply with the specifications required in the Uniform Building Code, adopted by the Regulations and Permits Administration (1997 Uniform Building Code of the International Conference of Building Officials, as amended). It shall be the responsibility of every wholesale manufacturer and importer to conduct the physical and chemical analysis needed to establish that the cement complies with the provisions of this section. Said analyses shall be performed in a laboratory inspected by NIST or accredited by any of those who signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) of NACLA. The distribution and use in Puerto Rico of any cement that does not comply with the quality requirements set forth in this section is hereby prohibited. Manufacturers and importers are hereby prohibited to mix different types of cement as well as to mix cement from different manufacturers.
History —Sept. 17, 2001, No. 132, § 5, eff. 60 days after Sept. 17, 2001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10 - Cement (§§ 167 — 167f) › § 167b - Manufacturers and importers—Registration requirements

Every wholesale manufacturer and importer shall be registered in the Department. This registration does not exempt them from the registration required by any other agency or instrumentality of the Government of Puerto Rico for compliance with any other law or regulations. On or before January 31 of each year, each one of them shall file a sworn statement which shall consign the following information:
(a) Name, address, telephone and fax number, e-mail of the natural or juridical person who is the applicant, if any, as well as that of its president and directors, and the name and address of the resident agent, if a corporation or that of its partners in the case of a partnership.
(b) Information on the other firms participating in the capital of the applicant, identifying the same with the same information required in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Commercial relationship of the applicant with financial entities, distributors, main office, affiliates or subsidiaries or with firms that usually use cement, and the identification thereof, as required in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The sworn statement shall enclose a check or money order payable to the Secretary of the Treasury for the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the original registration fee, and of five hundred dollars ($500) for its annual renewal. In the case of a corporation or partnership, it shall also include a copy of the certificate of incorporation or of the constitution charter, as the case may be, only in the original registration.
(e) A bond with a minimum coverage of [one million] dollars ($1,000,000) per person and [two million] dollars ($2,000,000) per event to guarantee compensation to third parties for any damage caused by deficiencies in the quality of cement within the term provided by the Civil Code of Puerto Rico. This bond or insurance may also respond to any administrative or judicial imposition caused by noncompliance with this chapter, if the infractor fails to do so within a term of thirty (30) days after the decision becomes final and binding. Every bond required in this section shall be obtained from an insurance company certified by the Insurance Commissioner of Puerto Rico to do business in Puerto Rico.
(f) Any change in the information previously furnished shall be notified in writing to the Department within (10) ten days following the date of the event.
(g) Any cancellation, alteration or material change in the policy or bond indicated in subsection (d) of this section shall be notified to the Department thirty (30) days prior to the same for the approval of the Secretary.
History —Sept. 17, 2001, No. 132, § 6, eff. 60 days after Sept. 17, 2001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10 - Cement (§§ 167 — 167f) › § 167d - Inspections by the Department

The Department may carry out inspections of the cement manufactured in Puerto Rico without previous notice. To such ends, a Department official shall appear at the manufacturing plants and take samples, as established in the ASTM Standards Manual, specification C-138. These samples shall be divided into [six] (6) parts, and the procedure to be followed shall be that established in subsection (d) of § 167c of this title, with the exception that the results shall be delivered to the manufacturing company whose cement was analyzed. When dealing with imported cement, every importer shall inform the Department of the arrival of every shipment of any type of cement to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico at least five (5) working days prior to the arrival thereof. It shall be divided into six (6) parts. Three (3) parts of the sample shall be withheld by the importer to perform the corresponding analyses or tests, the fourth part shall be sent by the Department to an independent laboratory, and the fifth and sixth parts shall be withheld by the Department in the case it should be necessary to perform additional analyses.
The Department may also take samples from any sack of cement of each brand that is sold in hardware stores or any other type of business where cement is sold in sacks. At least once every six (6) months, in January and July of each year, the Department shall publish in two (2) newspapers of general circulation a certificate of compliance with the standards of the tests performed on the cement of every brand that is sold in the local market. This publication may be included in the publications required in subsection (c) of § 167e of this title.
History —Sept. 17, 2001, No. 132, § 8, eff. 60 days after Sept. 17, 2001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10 - Cement (§§ 167 — 167f) › § 167e - Information requirements

Every person who manufactures or imports any type of cement shall:
(a) Print the following information in English and in Spanish on every sack of cement:
(1) The type of cement contained in the sack and that the cement meets the quality requirements established in the ASTM Standards Manual specifications for the type of cement contained.
(2) The name and address of the factory in which said cement is produced and, in the case of imported cement, the name of the importer and his/her domicile.
(3) The information required by Regulation PM-6 of the Department of January 15, 1970, entitled “Regulations to Establish the Form to Label Pre-packed Packages and other Products of Use and Consumption” or any other labeling regulation that is applicable.
(4) In the case of cement manufactured outside of the United States of America or Puerto Rico, a notice stating that in accordance with the federal laws (41 U.S.C. sec 10a et seq.) and the laws of Puerto Rico (§§ 972 et seq. of Title 3) the cement shall not be used in construction works of the governments of the United States and of Puerto Rico nor in works financed with funds from said governments except in the specific cases established in said laws.
(b) Not distribute or sell in Puerto Rico any sack of cement that is not labeled in accordance with the provisions of this section, nor fill any sack with cement proceeding from more than one (1) manufacturer.
(c) Prepare and print for its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in Puerto Rico, every six (6) months, literature for each type of cement that is manufactured or imported, containing information on:
(1) Characteristics and properties of the cement.
(2) Storage suggestions.
(3) Necessary warnings to prevent acid-alkaline reactions when using the cement.
History —Sept. 17, 2001, No. 132, § 9, eff. 60 days after Sept. 17, 2001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10 - Cement (§§ 167 — 167f) › § 167f - Penalties

Any violation to the provisions of this chapter or the regulations, orders or resolutions issued thereunder shall be sanctioned with a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) nor more than thirty [thousand] dollars ($30,000) per incident.
History —Sept. 17, 2001, No. 132, § 11, eff. 60 days after Sept. 17, 2001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10A - Detergents (§§ 168 — 168d) › § 168 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning stated hereinbelow:
(a) Trace amounts. — Means any phosphorus entity that is incidental in the manufacture or added to stabilize laundry detergent, which amount shall not exceed point five percent (0.5%) of phosphorus by weight, expressed as elemental phosphorus, or which is described in phrases such as “phosphate-free” or “phosphorus-free” on the label or packaging of a product.
(b) Department. — Means the Department of Consumer Affairs of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(c) Laundry detergent. — Means any soap or detergent product used to clean articles made of fabric.
(d) Phosphate. — Means the compound consisting of phosphorus and oxygen.
(e) Phosphorus. — Means the element phosphorus.
(f) Person. — Means any individual, legal entity, groups organized under a name, partnership, and public and private corporations, including municipalities, agencies or instrumentalities of the Government of Puerto Rico.
History —July 14, 2009, No. 38, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10A - Detergents (§§ 168 — 168d) › § 168a - Limitation

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and in § 168b of this title, no person shall use, sell, manufacture, import or distribute any laundry detergent, intended to be used or sold in Puerto Rico, containing more than “trace amounts”, as defined in this chapter.
(b) All laundry detergents must include in their labels or packaging a conspicuous statement noting that such product contains “no phosphorus” and/or is “phosphorus-free”, so as to attest compliance with the limitations set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The limitation set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to those laundry detergents used to clean articles made of fabric to be used in hospitals, veterinary clinics, and other health care facilities. These products shall include in their labels or packaging a conspicuous statement noting that such product is “for exclusive use in hospitals, veterinary clinics, and other health care facilities”.
History —July 14, 2009, No. 38, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10A - Detergents (§§ 168 — 168d) › § 168b - Dispensations

Whenever the use of a detergent that does not comply with the provisions of this chapter that is not among those permitted in subsection (c) of § 168a of this title is necessary, the person who manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, or used such laundry detergent in Puerto Rico shall apply for a dispensation for approval by the Department. The applicant for such dispensation shall prove to the satisfaction of the Department that the proposed use is justified and that there is no other reasonable alternative to such use. Said dispensation shall be valid for up to one (1) year and may be extended by the Department if the petitioner proves the need thereof.
History —July 14, 2009, No. 38, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10A - Detergents (§§ 168 — 168d) › § 168c - Administration

The Department shall have the authority and the duty to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Department shall be empowered to issue orders, as deemed necessary, to carry out such task. The Department may also file with the corresponding forums a petition for an order to refrain or for an injunction to prevent the infringement of the provisions of this chapter or any other order or regulation promulgated thereunder.
The Department is hereby directed to adopt and promulgate the regulations necessary to enforce the purposes and provisions of this chapter, in accordance with the powers and authorities conferred by §§ 341 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Organic Act of the Department of Consumer Affairs”, and §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, better known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”.
History —July 14, 2009, No. 38, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 10A - Detergents (§§ 168 — 168d) › § 168d - Penalties

(a) Any person who infringes the provisions of this chapter or any order or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be subject to the maximum daily penalty for each violation as issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs and as set forth in §§ 341 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Organic Act of the Department of Consumer Affairs”.
(b) Any person who intentionally gives a false representation or statement or issues a false certification under this chapter or the regulations promulgated hereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History —July 14, 2009, No. 38, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 11 - Trademarks; Identification of Products (§§ 171-171h — 224b) › § 208 - Protection of Puerto Rican products—Registration of Puerto Rico Association

As soon as the organization known as the Puerto Rico Association shall have registered in the Department of State, as an association not for pecuniary profit, a facsimile and description of the stamp or seal of guaranty of said Puerto Rico Association may be registered in the Department of State.
History —Mar. 13, 1913, No. 50, p. 89, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 11 - Trademarks; Identification of Products (§§ 171-171h — 224b) › § 209 - Protection of Puerto Rican products—Stamp or seal of guaranty

The object of registering said stamp or seal of guaranty of the Puerto Rico Association shall be to provide a means by which the Puerto Rico Association may, in order to maintain the credit of Puerto Rican products and manufactures against counterfeits, frauds or substitution by articles of an inferior class, guarantee the origin, standard and quality of Puerto Rican products, and that it may permit the use of said stamp by producers, manufacturers and dealers in said articles. The Puerto Rico Association may, through its executive committee or duly authorized board, issue permits to said producers, manufacturers, or dealers in Puerto Rican articles, to use the stamp or seal of guaranty of the Puerto Rico Association on all the aforesaid Puerto Rican articles produced, manufactured or sold by them, provided they comply with such requisites relative to the origin, standard, quality, form and procedure as the Puerto Rico Association may prescribe; Provided, however, That nothing contained in §§ 208—212 of this title shall be construed in the sense that the Puerto Rico Association is authorized to permit the use of said stamp or seal of guaranty to any producer, manufacturer or dealer to the exclusion of other stamps, firms or corporations engaged in the same line of business, who should desire to comply with such requisites.
History —Mar. 13, 1913, No. 50, p. 89, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TEN - Commerce (§§ 1 — 4196) › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Business Generally (§§ 1 — 998q) › Chapter 11 - Trademarks; Identification of Products (§§ 171-171h — 224b) › § 210 - Protection of Puerto Rican products—Registration of permits issued by Association

All permits to use said stamp or seal of guaranty, issued by the Puerto Rico Association, shall be registered in the office of the Puerto Rico Association and of the Department of State, and the Puerto Rico Association shall have power to cancel any of said permits should the same be utilized in violation of any of the conditions prescribed by the Puerto Rico Association, or should other improper use be made thereof, and such cancellation shall be likewise registered in the office of the Puerto Rico Association and of the Department of State.
History —Mar. 13, 1913, No. 50, p. 89, § 3.