Procons Enforce Limits on School Supply Lists Across Brazilian Cities

Overview

• Procon Fortaleza opened an inspection operation on Jan. 6, notifying 60 private schools to submit their lists within five days and publishing a 77-item roster of collective-use materials barred from requests.
• Schools that ignore the rules face penalties that can include fines of up to R$18.8 million, according to the municipal consumer agency.
• Procon/MPPI began on-site inspections in private schools in Teresina on Jan. 8, with reviews of lists and enrollment contracts scheduled throughout January.
• Local Procons in Petrolina, Cuiabá and Bahia are advising families that schools cannot impose brands, force purchases at the institution, or demand collective-use items, and that materials may be delivered in installments tied to the teaching plan.
• A Procon Maceió survey of 35 items found total basket costs ranging from R$230.25 to R$4,001.97—up to a 17-fold difference—and agencies are directing parents to report abusive lists via official channels such as phone, WhatsApp and email.