The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities as well as to crack down on price manipulation and uncover violations in a bid to protect consumer rights.
The inspection campaigns, which targeted 713 retail outlets, resulted in 26 fines for failing to display the price of products and services, which represent a violation of article 8 and 11 of law No 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection.
Article 8 stipulates that the supplier shall prominently display and advertise the price of a product while the consumer has the right to obtain a dated invoice stating the nature of the product, its price, quantity and any other data specified in the implementing regulations of this law.
Article 11 stipulates that "the supplier shall clearly define the service, its characteristics and price. The supplier shall also provide a warranty for a period of time corresponding to the nature of the service and the amount paid by the recipient of the service or shall properly perform the service again."
The Ministry uncovered 21 other violations including the sale of counterfeit and expired products as well as goods missing weight and specification tags in violation of the provisions of Articles 6 and 7 of the Consumer Protection Law.
Article 6 of Law No 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which prohibits "the sale, display, promotion and advertisement of any counterfeit or spoiled goods. Goods shall be considered spoiled or counterfeit if they do not conform to with standards, are unusable or expired."
Article 7 compels suppliers to clearly display on the product’s package the type and nature of the item as well as other relevant data in line with the law’s implementing regulations. The law also compels the display of warning risks pertaining to the use of the product while prohibiting the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.
Violations of Law No 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection can result in administrative closure and financial penalties ranging between QR6,000 to QR1mn.
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law number 8 of 2008 and its regulations and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
The MEC has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels: Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
An inspector from the MEC going through some of the products stocked at an outlet
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has carried out a surprise inspection campaign targeting a number of retail outlets across Qatar in a bid to monitor the compliance of suppliers (retail outlets) with their obligations under law No 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection.
