Latest news with #ConsumerProtectionLaw
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Consumer authority recovers over RO7,800 in vehicle shipping dispute
Muscat – The Directorate General of Consumer Protection in North Batinah has successfully mediated a settlement between a consumer and a shipping and customs clearance company, resulting in the recovery of over RO7,800 for the consumer. The case involved a complaint filed by a consumer who had contracted the company to purchase and ship a vehicle from the United States to Oman. Despite paying all agreed amounts, the company delayed delivery of the vehicle by a month after it had arrived at Sohar Port. This delay led to the accumulation of additional customs fees, which the company then demanded from the consumer – despite no such clause being included in their agreement. Following the complaint, the directorate launched an investigation and initiated administrative procedures. The inquiry confirmed the company's failure to deliver the vehicle on time, in violation of contractual terms. After negotiations, the company agreed to compensate the consumer. The authority emphasised that such efforts are part of its ongoing commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring providers adhere to contractual obligations. It cited Article 19, Clause 5 of the executive regulations of the Consumer Protection Law (Royal Decree No. 66/2014), which prohibits providers from delaying delivery of goods or completion of services beyond the agreed time. The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated its call for businesses to comply with the law and uphold their responsibilities, thereby safeguarding the rights of consumers across the sultanate.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Consumer recovers over RO7,800 in vehicle shipping dispute
Muscat – The General Directorate for Consumer Protection in North Batinah Governorate has successfully mediated a settlement between a consumer and a shipping and customs clearance company, resulting in the recovery of over RO7,800 for the consumer. The case involved a complaint filed by a consumer who had contracted the company to purchase and ship a vehicle from the United States to Oman. Despite paying all agreed amounts, the company delayed delivery of the vehicle by a month after it had arrived at Sohar Port. This delay led to the accumulation of additional customs fees, which the company then demanded from the consumer—despite no such clause being included in their agreement. Following the complaint, the directorate launched an investigation and initiated administrative procedures. The inquiry confirmed the company's failure to deliver the vehicle on time, in violation of contractual terms. After negotiations, the company agreed to compensate the consumer, and a total of RO7,800 was recovered. The authority emphasized that such efforts are part of its ongoing commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring providers adhere to contractual obligations. It cited Article 19, Clause 5 of the executive regulations of the Consumer Protection Law (Royal Decree No. 66/2014), which prohibits providers from delaying delivery of goods or completion of services beyond the agreed time. The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated its call for businesses to comply with the law and uphold their responsibilities, thereby safeguarding the rights of consumers across the Sultanate.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman court fines furniture business RO 1,000 for Consumer Law violations
Muscat – The Primary Court in Barka has fined a furniture sales and customization business RO1,000 for breaching Oman's Consumer Protection Law under Royal Decree No. (66/2014) and its executive regulations. The case began when a customer filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Department in Barka after the business failed to deliver five customised bedframes on time. The customer had paid an advance of RO 450 towards a total contract value of RO 870, with an agreement that the products would be ready within three weeks. Despite repeated delays, the establishment did not meet the deadline, prompting the consumer to escalate the matter. After efforts to resolve the dispute amicably failed, the case was handed to the Public Prosecution, which referred it to the court. The court convicted the business representatives of two offences: failing to provide the agreed service properly and not issuing a clear invoice in Arabic as proof of the transaction. Each representative was fined RO 500 for the first offence and RO 400 for the second. The penalties were merged, with the higher fine enforced, and the defendants were ordered to bear legal costs. The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated the importance of compliance with consumer laws and regulations. It said it would take legal action against violators to protect consumer rights and maintain the integrity of commercial transactions.
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
CPA warns online vendors to adhere to law
Muscat -The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has issued a reminder to all online vendors operating in Oman, urging them to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulations. This move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and transparent digital marketplace for consumers across the country. In its statement, the CPA highlighted that these legal requirements are essential for safeguarding consumer rights in the growing e-commerce sector, which has seen significant expansion in Oman over the past few years. With more businesses moving online and consumers increasingly relying on digital platforms for their purchases, the authority stressed the importance of regulatory compliance to build trust and accountability in the market. According to Article 33 of the Consumer Protection Law, vendors, advertisers, and agents conducting business online -whether based in Oman or represented by a local agent – are required to meet a series of obligations when entering into remote or electronic contracts. These obligations are legally binding and are designed to ensure that consumers receive full transparency and fair treatment in online transactions. Among the key requirements outlined in the law, online providers must obtain prior approval from the relevant authorities before offering goods or services electronically. They are also required to present products on their digital platforms in a manner that reflects their actual form, ensuring that consumers are not misled. Furthermore, vendors must clearly communicate the location, date, and method of product delivery, and must establish an exchange and return policy that aligns with the Law's provisions – guaranteeing consumer rights are not compromised. The CPA continues to monitor e-commerce activities and urges consumers to report any violations they encounter. Vendors are encouraged to review their practices and make necessary adjustments to remain compliant, as failure to do so could result in legal consequences.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Awareness seminar highlights safe online shopping in Nizwa
NIZWA: The Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate organised an awareness seminar under the title 'Safe Online Shopping', in cooperation with the Omani Women's Association in the Wilayat of Nizwa and the Ihsan Association — Al Dakhiliyah branch on Wednesday. The event was aimed to raise public awareness about consumer rights and safe purchasing practices amidst the rapid transformation of the digital economy. The seminar, which saw a wide community turnout, began with an opening speech by Ali bin Salim al Hadhrami, Director of the Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliyah. He stated, 'Online shopping has become a part of our daily lives. With this widespread usage, challenges such as commercial fraud, delivery delays and non-compliance with product specifications have also increased. Therefore, awareness is no longer optional — it is essential to protect consumers from practices that harm their interests.' He added: 'This seminar coincides with the launch of the second edition of the 'Safe Shopping in the Digital Economy' campaign for 2025. We hope it will leave a positive impact on the community by enhancing consumer awareness.' The event featured visual presentations and working papers. One of the key presentations was a paper titled 'Electronic Contracting', delivered by legal researcher Nasrah bint Mohammed al Saeghiyah, in which she reviewed key consumer rights in digital transactions. She noted that 3,340 violations of the Consumer Protection Law were recorded in 2023 alone, according to figures presented during the 2024 Public Prosecution Conference. Another working paper was presented by Samiah bint Nasser al Riyamiyah, Quality and Goods Specialist; and Fatma bint Ali al Ramhiyah, Consumer Complaints Researcher, discussing procedures for submitting and processing electronic complaints. The seminar also addressed fundamental consumer rights in online transactions, such as the right to accurate information, freedom of choice, cultural respect, compensation in the case of damage, receiving invoices in Arabic, product quality guarantees and the legal right to return or exchange goods. Mustafa bin Mohammed al Suleimani, Head of the Market Regulation and Monitoring Section, explained that most complaints in the online shopping sector involve cloth and accessories. He emphasised the availability of various complaint channels, including the consumer protection hotline and the official website, noting that administrative penalties such as fines and license revocations are imposed on violators.
