The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) recently carried out surprise inspections targeting women's beauty salons and clothing and accessories shops in different parts of the country, resulting in the detection of 27 violations.

The violations ranged from not advertising prices, non-Arabisation of bills, the announcement of sales and special offers without prior permission and raising prices without a licence.

The ministry explained that such irregularities amounted to a violation of the provisions of Law No 8 of 2008, Ministerial Decision No 5 of 1984 regarding sale through reductions and Ministerial Decision No19 of 2002 regulating the promotion of the sale of goods.

The inspection campaigns are part of the MEC's keenness to monitor markets and commercial activities with the aim of controlling prices and detecting violations in order to protect the rights of the consumer, and to monitor the compliance of suppliers (shops and women's salons) with their obligations.

The ministry stressed the necessity of starting without delay the adoption of designs and models of the 'Shopping with Confidence' mark in all advertisements of sales and promotions, and placing them on the invoices delivered to customers. This will provide clear evidence to the consumer that the shop holds the licence that is required by the competent authorities at the MEC.

The MEC has also warned all shops with a discount licence to commit to offering real discounts and avoid misleading or any practices that would harm the consumer's rights.

Further, the ministry affirmed that it would firmly confront all those who were negligent in carrying out their obligations under the Consumer Protection Law and its executive regulations. It will intensify the inspection campaigns to control such practices, and those who violate laws and ministerial decisions will be referred to the competent authorities for appropriate action.

The MEC also called on all consumers to view the price of items before and during the period of sale or promotions. The consumer is also entitled to see the goods statement in the shop that shows the price before and after the sale process and the approved discount rate. The consumer should take a detailed invoice showing the actual price and the sale price.

Finally, the MEC has urged all consumers to report any violation or irregularities through its communication channels.

Related Story