The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a circular regarding refraining from trading goods bearing logos and symbols that are non-compliant with Islamic values, customs, and traditions, after it recently noticed that some shops and major shopping malls have been displaying, selling and promoting products bearing logos, colors, and designs that violate common decency.

The circular comes within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to control markets and ensure that suppliers, traders, and shopkeepers in Qatar abide by their obligations in the field of protecting consumer rights, preserving Islamic values and respecting the customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the country, as stipulated by Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, in which Article (2) states: “The basic rights of a consumer shall be guaranteed under the provisions of this Law. No person may conclude any agreement or conduct any activity that prejudices such rights, in particular, the following: […] The right of respect of religious values, customs and traditions.”

Article (16) of the same law also states that the supplier shall be liable for any damage resulting from the usage and consumption of the commodity.

The Ministry emphasized that practicing commercial activities and trading goods and services must take place while maintaining respect for the values of the Islamic religion, and with adherence to the customs and traditions of Qatari society.

It calls upon merchants and those in charge of shops and shopping malls to take this intoaccount when devising their commercial policies, to abide by the circulars issued by the Ministry, and to ensure that products provided to the consumer are of highquality.

As per the circular, all merchants and major shopping malls operating in Qatar must abide by the following:

The Ministry stresses that it is working in coordination with the concerned authorities to take the necessary measures to prevent the trade of products that violate basic consumer rights.

The Ministry also assured that it will not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated by Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its implementing regulations, and that it will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations.

Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who will take appropriate measures, which are:

The Ministry additionally calls upon all consumers to report any goods bearing logos or designs that violate customs and traditions, and to specify their locations so that the Ministry’s inspectors can take the necessary measures, through the following communication channels:

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR