THE PURPOSE OF THIS LAW IS TO CONSOLIDATE ALL EXISTING CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURES AND PROGRAMS. IT DEFINES GOODS AND SERVICES CLASSIFIED AS 'OF PRIME NECESSITY,' (I.E., THOSE ARTICLES ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO THE SUSTAINANCE OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL COMFORT), EMPHASIZES TRUTH IN ADVERTISING, REQUIRES GUARANTEES AGAINST DEFECTS AND MALFUNCTIONING, AND INSTITUTES MANDATORY OFFICIAL QUALITY CERTIFICATION OF GOODS WITH THE SYMBOL OF 'NORVEN.' THE VENEZUELAN CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW PROVIDES FOR A GOVERNMENT CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY WITH A CENTRAL OFFICE IN CARACAS TO ENFORCE THE MEASURES PRESENTED IN THIS LAW, AND SPECIFIES ITS SCOPE, STAFFING, AND FUNCTIONS. SPECIFIC PENALTIES ARE DETAILED FOR SPECIFIC INFRACTIONS, AND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS FOR THE PROSECUTION OF ALL VIOLATIONS ARE DESCRIBED. THE FINAL ARTICLE OF THE LAW PROVIDES FOR A GRACE PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS FOR ALL BUSINESSES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO ADJUST THEIR ACTIVITIES TO THE PREREQUISITES OF THE LAW. --IN SPANISH. (LGR)