Latest news with #ConsumerProtectionLaw
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: What can shoppers do when retail store sells fake designer goods?
Question: I purchased a ladies' handbag from a well-known brand at a reputable retail store, but later discovered that it was counterfeit. When I approached the store to request a refund or exchange, the staff refused, claiming that I might have purchased the item online instead. Please advise me on my consumer rights in this situation and guide me on how I can reclaim my money. Answer: In UAE, a consumer has the right to obtain accurate information related to the products purchased, or any of the paid services availed by a consumer under the Article 4(2) of the Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection which states, "All prescribed obligations under this Law shall be regarded as consumer rights, including: Obtaining true information on the commodities purchased, used or consumed or the service received." A vendor is required to issue a detailed invoice including their trade name, address, product or service details, price, and quantity. This is by Article 8 (3) of the UAE Consumer Protection Law, which states, "The provider shall be required to provide the consumer with a detailed invoice containing its trade name, address, commodity type, price and quantity or the service type, price and details and any other data prescribed by the Executive Regulation of this Law." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Furthermore, all products should display clear and legible labels that show essential details, such as the product's name, type, components, quantity, and country of origin (using the phrase "Made in"), by applicable laws and standards. This is by Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. (66) of 2023 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 Concerning Consumer Protection. "The provider shall clearly and legibly display the essential information specified by laws, regulations, technical standards, and approved specifications regarding the packaging or presentation of the product. Such data shall be according to the nature of the product, and it shall include, but is not limited to, the following details: 1. The name, type, nature, components and quantity of the good, whether about weight, measurement, number, measure, capacity, standard, or any other criteria affecting the value thereof; 2. The country of origin (the name of the country preceded by the phrase: "Made in");" Furthermore, it is illegal to sell counterfeit products in the UAE. This is by Article 4(1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2023 on Combating Commercial Fraud, which states, "It is prohibited to import, export, produce, manufacture, display, sell, store, transport, market, trade, promote, dispose of, or possess counterfeit goods for selling, and it is also prohibited to attempt any of these acts." Moreover, if a product turns out to be counterfeit, the law obliges the provider to refund the consumer the price paid by the consumer or change the counterfeit product by Article 7 of the UAE Commercial Fraud Law, which states, "The provider is obligated to refund the value of fraudulent, spoiled or counterfeit goods, or exchange or change them according to the desire of the bona fide customer, without prejudice to the customer's right to claim compensation." Article 17 of the UAE Commercial Fraud Law imposes up to two years' imprisonment and/or a fine between Dh5,000 and Dh1 million for violations of the UAE Commercial Fraud Law, which reads as below: "A penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding (2) two years and/or a fine no less than five thousand (5,000) AED and not exceeding one million (1,000,000) AED shall be imposed on anyone who violates the provisions of Articles (4), (5), (8) and (11) of this Law by Decree" Based on the aforementioned provisions of law, you may have the right to seek a refund or replacement of the item you purchased if it is indeed counterfeit, provided you can reasonably establish proof of purchase. The law imposes clear obligations on providers to ensure the authenticity of goods sold, to issue accurate invoices, and to properly label products. You may consider raising a formal complaint with the relevant consumer protection authority in the emirate where the provider is located. You may seek legal advice to explore further steps to reclaim the value of the purchase.
Observer
11-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Forum highlights compliance for safe shopping
NIZWA: In an effort to build trust in the commercial sector and promote a transparent and safe shopping environment, the Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate organised a business forum with the theme 'Partnership and Compliance for a Safe Shopping Environment' in Nizwa. The event, held under the auspices of Shaikh Saleh bin Dhiyab al Rubaiee, Wali of Nizwa, aimed to enhance cooperation among all stakeholders in the market and emphasised the importance of creating a safe and equitable shopping environment that upholds consumer rights and promotes transparency. Ali bin Salim al Hadhrami, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, stated that the forum provided an opportunity for traders, entrepreneurs and government agencies to improve market organisation and promote responsibility. He said, "Our goal is to raise awareness, ensure compliance with regulations and listen to feedback from traders. This will protect consumers and contribute to economic sustainability. Adhering to the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations helps prevent harmful practices and safeguards everyone in the market." Three speakers presented working papers on key topics. Dr Abdulsalam bin Salim al Hinai, a Quality Control Specialist for Goods and Services, discussed the key provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and their implementation, while Abdullah bin Saud al Harrasi highlighted the services available to small businesses and strategies for growth. Radhiyah al Riyami, an administrative researcher, outlined the regulations for banning unsafe products and the reasons behind the removal of certain items from the market.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Putin's BIG ‘Action Against' Apple: After Fine Over Russia's LGBTQ Purge, New Law Sparks IOS Trouble
Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed a new law which makes it mandatory for smartphone makers to support RuStore, the state-run app marketplace, on their devices. The move mainly impacts Apple due to its closed iOS system. The new law, an amendment to the country's Consumer Protection Law, expands rules on preinstalled apps, barring manufacturers from limiting functions such as payments, search, updates, or settings. Watch. Read More
Muscat Daily
15-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Vehicle repair shop fined RO1,000 for violating consumer law
Muscat – The Primary Court in the wilayat of Barka has issued a judicial ruling against a vehicle repair establishment for violating the Consumer Protection Law, sentencing two employees to a total fine of RO1,000. According to the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), the ruling stems from a complaint filed by a consumer who contracted the establishment to repair his vehicle for RO40, with an agreement that the work would be completed within four days. However, the establishment failed to meet the agreed timeframe and continued to delay the repair, prompting the consumer to escalate the matter to the CPA. Following standard legal procedures, the authority referred the case to the Public Prosecution, which launched an investigation and subsequently forwarded the case to the court. The court found the two employees guilty and imposed a fine of RO500 on each, in addition to requiring them to cover the costs of the criminal proceedings. The civil aspect of the complaint has been referred to the competent court for further adjudication. The CPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights and urged all businesses to comply fully with the provisions of Royal Decree No. 66/2014 and its executive regulations. It warned that legal action will be taken against any party found in breach of consumer protection law.
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Firm fined RO2,200 for failing to provide services: CPA
Muscat – The Primary Court in the wilayat of Barka has ruled against a commercial establishment, convicting two of its representatives for violating the Consumer Protection Law. The court imposed a fine of RO2,200 and ordered a refund of RO470 to a consumer. The case followed a complaint by a customer who had purchased a refrigerator for RO470 and later discovered it was defective, failing to cool properly. Despite repeated attempts to contact the establishment for inspection or replacement, the consumer received no response. The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) intervened and referred the matter to the Public Prosecution, which forwarded it to the court. After reviewing the case, the court found the two representatives guilty of failing to provide the service properly and of issuing an invoice not written in Arabic, both violations of the Consumer Protection Law issued under Royal Decree No 66/2014. Each representative was fined RO600 for the first offence and RO500 for the second. The court ruled that the fines would be suspended if the consumer was refunded within one month. The defendants were also ordered to pay legal expenses. In civil terms, the contract between the parties was rescinded, and the court ordered the defendants to return the full purchase amount of RO470. The CPA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to protecting consumer rights and urged all businesses to comply with relevant laws and regulations.
