The Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras) considered the new decree on the Workers’ Food Program (PAT)signed this Tuesday (11) by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to the entity, odThe decree makes the program more fair, efficient and accessible, “directly benefiting Brazilian workers and strengthening the entire food supply chain”.
In a note, the entity says that the changes proposed in the program, which deals with food vouchers and meal vouchers paid to workers, “eliminate abusive charges and “fixes” that increased costs for retailers and, consequently, for consumers”.
Among the new features, the decree establishes limits for fees charged by operators: the maximum establishment rate (MDR) will be 3.6%, and the interchange fee will have a ceiling of 2%. It also reduces the period for transferring amounts to establishments to up to 15 calendar days, and determines that, within 360 days, any card in the program works on any payment machine — a measure that guarantees interoperability between brands.
According to Abras, the new decree will give more predictability to the sector, reduce intermediation, and “put more food on the worker’s table”. The entity also highlighted that the new PAT is a measure to combat inflation and stimulate competition.
“With lower costs and shorter deadlines, all businesses will be able to accept the food and meal voucher, strengthening small retail and expanding access for the population. The result will be a cheaper basic food basket and a fairer system for everyone”, said the entity’s president, João Galassi.
>> See the changes to the rules of the food voucher and meal voucher system:
Maximum limits for fees charged by operators:
- The rate charged to establishments (MDR) cannot exceed 3.6%. The interchange fee will be capped at 2%, with no additional charges being prohibited. Companies will have 90 days to comply with these rules.
Full interoperability between brands:
- Within 360 days, any card in the program must work on any payment machine, with the implementation of full interoperability between brands. This measure increases the freedom of choice for companies, workers and establishments.
Reduction in the financial transfer period:
- The transfer to establishments must occur within 15 calendar days after the transaction — a rule that comes into force within 90 days. Currently, restaurants and similar companies receive the amounts 30 days after transactions.
Opening payment arrangements:
- Systems with more than 500,000 workers must be opened within 180 days, so that any facilitators who observe the flag’s rules will be able to participate in the arrangement. This increases competition and reduces market concentration, since, in a closed arrangement, the functions of settlor, issuer and accreditor can be performed by the same company.
Protection rules:
- Prohibition of abusive commercial practices, such as discounts, discounts, indirect benefits, deadlines incompatible with prepaid transfers and financial advantages not related to food. These rules come into effect immediately, as does the obligation of beneficiary companies to guide workers and comply with all program rules.
