DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce caught 137 violations of consumer protection law by commercial outlets last month.
The maximum number of violations was related to failing to use the Arabic language in declarations and statements related to products; and not providing sales invoices in Arabic, among others.
The Ministry intensified its inspection campaign last month to ensure compliance by the suppliers with the obligations stipulated in law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer protection. The move came within the framework of the Ministry’s keenness to monitor markets and commercial activities to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
Some outlets were caught for using false and deceptive information when describing, advertising or displaying products; failing to announce prices of services/products; charging prices higher than those declared; and selling and displaying expired products, among others. Fines imposed by the Ministry on the erring outlets included closures and penalties starting from QR5,000 to QR30,000, as per the law and regulations of the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
The Ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations and will intensify the inspection campaign to crack down on violations. The Ministry also said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities to take action and protect consumer rights.
It urged consumers to report any violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through Call Centre 16001; email: [email protected]; and Twitter MEC_QATAR; and Instagram MEC_QATAR.
