Latest news with #ConsumerProtectionDirectorate
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Victory for buyers : Consumers reclaim BD290,000 over past two years through complaints system
TDT | Manama The Ministry of Industry and Commerce recovered BD290,000 for consumers over the past two years, while arranging replacements worth BD75,000, according to a written reply from Minister His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro to MP Dr Muneer Seroor. The figures cover 2023 and 2024, during which the ministry's Consumer Protection Directorate received 7,868 complaints in the first year and 7,153 in the second. A further 1,302 complaints were registered between January and March this year. Most cases concerned faulty electrical goods and vehicle-related issues. Fakhro noted that complaints fell by roughly 9 per cent in 2024. Goods and services That year, more than BD120,000 was recovered for consumers, while goods and services worth over BD45,000 were replaced. In 2023, the recovered amount exceeded BD170,000, with replacements totalling more than BD30,000. By law, the ministry has up to 60 working days to examine a complaint. However, the directorate typically contacts both the complainant and the business within three days to assess the issue and determine the next step. Working days Resolution times vary. Most complaints are dealt with within 15 working days. Around 42 per cent are completed within one week 19 per cent within eight to fifteen days 15 per cent within sixteen to thirty days 12 per cent are resolved on the same day they are received The directorate may also refer cases to the courts when necessary. In both 2023 and 2024, 212 complaints were handed to the Public Prosecution. In 2023, six shops were shut down by administrative order. Arrangements To reduce delays, the ministry signed service level agreements with eight commercial entities that frequently attract complaints. These arrangements led to a 35 per cent reduction in average handling times for those firms. As for cases that take longer, Fakhro said the directorate follows a graduated process. Staff first attempt to broker a settlement between the parties. Failing that, the matter proceeds through formal steps: an initial letter, a notice, a final warning, and then a binding decision. If the business fails to comply, the case is referred to prosecutors.
Gulf Insider
24-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: Mining Rig Deal Goes Bust, Court Orders BD10,000 Refund
A protracted court battle over an undelivered cryptocurrency mining rig ended with the High Civil Court ordering the seller to refund around BD10,000. The incident leading to the case started three years ago when the victim ordered a cryptocurrency mining machine from a woman for BD9,970. However, the deal signed in December 2021 was never fulfilled, where the machine was originally promised to be delivered in February the following year. A receipt, dated and signed and bearing the stamp of her sole proprietorship, confirmed the sum had changed hands. According to the claimant's lawyer, Mohammed Al Mahdi, his client waited well past the deadline before sending a notice asking for the machine. There was no reply. He then took the matter to the Consumer Protection Directorate, which referred the case to the Public Prosecution. Representative picture The woman was fined BD1,000 under a criminal order. She objected. Her objection was dismissed by the Lower Criminal Court, which upheld the fine. The buyer submitted the ruling along with records of the deal as part of the civil claim. In its judgment, the court said the criminal order, having gone unchallenged within the legal time frame, carried weight in civil proceedings. The facts, it said, were settled. The machine was neither delivered nor refunded, and the evidence was clear. The woman had not disputed the receipt or the amount. The court ruled she must pay back BD9,970 and cover the cost of the case, including legal fees.
Daily Tribune
24-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Mining rig deal goes bust: Court orders BD10,000 refund
A protracted court battle over an undelivered cryptocurrency mining rig ended with the High Civil Court ordering the seller to refund around BD10,000. The incident leading to the case started three years ago when the victim ordered a cryptocurrency mining machine from a woman for BD9,970. However, the deal signed in December 2021 was never fulfilled, where the machine was originally promised to be delivered in February the following year. A receipt, dated and signed and bearing the stamp of her sole proprietorship, confirmed the sum had changed hands. According to the claimant's lawyer, Mohammed Al Mahdi, his client waited well past the deadline before sending a notice asking for the machine. There was no reply. He then took the matter to the Consumer Protection Directorate, which referred the case to the Public Prosecution. Representative picture The woman was fined BD1,000 under a criminal order. She objected. Her objection was dismissed by the Lower Criminal Court, which upheld the fine. The buyer submitted the ruling along with records of the deal as part of the civil claim. In its judgment, the court said the criminal order, having gone unchallenged within the legal time frame, carried weight in civil proceedings. The facts, it said, were settled. The machine was neither delivered nor refunded, and the evidence was clear. The woman had not disputed the receipt or the amount. The court ruled she must pay back BD9,970 and cover the cost of the case, including legal fees.
Jordan News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Jordan News
Consumer Complaints Down 13% in First Third of the Year - Jordan News
The number of consumer complaints received by the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply decreased by 13% during the first third of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the Ministry. اضافة اعلان Statistics show that the Directorate received a total of 315 complaints during the first third of 2025, compared to 360 complaints during the same period in 2024. Consumer complaints were primarily related to after-sales services, accounting for 157 complaints — nearly 49% of the total. This was followed by complaints about defective goods, which reached 90 complaints or about 29%. As for the top three sectors with the most complaints: First: Services sector with 97 complaints Second: Electrical appliances sector with 82 complaints Third: Automotive sector with 56 complaints Ministry spokesperson Yanal Barmawi stated that the decline in consumer complaints is largely due to awareness campaigns launched by the Ministry to educate citizens on the Consumer Protection Law, issued a few years ago to strengthen market oversight and consumer protection. Barmawi explained in a press statement that the Ministry has closed 209 complaints — 66% of all complaints received since the beginning of the year. Additionally, 24 warnings and 9 violations were issued. He added that the Ministry handles complaints based on applicable legislative provisions, including: Consumer Protection Law No. 7 of 2017 Industry and Trade Law Competition Law Ministerial Decision No. 99 on mandatory vehicle warranties. Barmawi noted that the Ministry receives complaints through various communication channels and works to resolve them in a way that satisfies consumers without harming the rights of providers, in coordination with relevant parties. 'If non-compliant providers fail to resolve the complaints, a formal notice is issued requiring them to rectify the issue within a specified period. If the issue is not resolved, a violation report is filed against them,' he said. The Ministry, through its Consumer Protection Directorate, also monitors markets and misleading advertisements by reviewing suppliers' websites and ensuring they comply with their published advertisements. It follows up on any reports of misleading ads and works to correct violations. Additionally, joint inspection campaigns are conducted with related authorities to oversee commercial establishments and providers. Barmawi also emphasized the Ministry's role in public awareness, which includes launching campaigns and awareness activities in collaboration with relevant entities. Among the key consumer tips are: obtaining a detailed purchase invoice and clear warranty terms, testing and inspecting items before buying (regardless of their type), and requesting the supplier's contact information when possible. Consumers can file complaints through the 'Bekhedmtkom' platform, the Ministry's official website, its Facebook page, or via WhatsApp at 0797527819. It's worth noting that Article (3) of Consumer Protection Law No. 7 of 2017 outlines the rights of consumers, including access to goods and services that meet their intended purpose without harming their interests or health, and access to complete and accurate information about the product or service and its sale conditions. The core tasks of the Consumer Protection Directorate include receiving and verifying complaints from consumers or consumer protection associations, monitoring misleading advertisements, and taking necessary action to address violations.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Amendments to Consumer Protection Law approved
Bahrain - Telemarketers bothering people could face action under measures approved unanimously by the Shura Council yesterday. In a bid to protect consumer rights and regulate advertising practices, five members, led by woman and child committee chairwoman Leena Qassim, have proposed amendments to the 2012 Consumer Protection Law. The changes seek to oblige telemarketers and advertisers to ensure that their communications do not intrude on consumers' personal time or create unwelcome disturbances. This initiative follows increasing public complaints about unsolicited and intrusive advertising practices, including phone calls, text messages and other forms of direct marketing. Shura Council financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati, whose committee recommended the go-ahead for the move, said numerous countries were taking serious action against telemarketers. 'It is an annoying practice to market products and services to people, who most of the time are not interested,' he said. 'Tough measures are necessary. 'Some countries have gone to the extent of disconnecting the phones of such telemarketers.' Ms Qassim said telemarketing continues to be a mean of advertisement but is, however, misused. 'We are seeking a balanced approach in which telemarketing is done sensibly and without harassing and bothering people,' she explained. 'Consumer and information protection is something that has to be respected at all time.' Member Fouad Al Haji said people were suffering from telemarketing. However, he added, that even if restrictions are imposed on local telemarketing, it is a completely different game with international telemarketers. 'Strict measures need to cover international telemarketers too and this amendment has to address the matter from all aspects.' Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said the move was important but changes to the law was not the right approach. 'The Consumer Protection Directorate has no power, authority, capability or jurisdiction to monitor such calls. Neither does it have access to phone numbers or the people behind it, or the nature of any phone call,' he explained. 'Also restricting the monitoring just in this law would affect other sectors in which people are harassed. 'Also, disturbance is a vague term; what bothers someone may be fine with another.' He pointed out that the directorate would be obliged to take action against all callers, even if it is just one call. 'The ministry will be bombarded with malice-natured complaints from people with a grudge against a business or company. This will just waste time and effort that could be directed to genuine cases.' Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has issued rules for bulk commercial messages whether as advertisements or offering services or goods. 'We are also working with concerned parties on updates to properly enforce the rules.' The proposal will be now drafted into a proper legislation by the government and returned to the National Assembly for review. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
