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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out a surprise inspection campaign targeting a number of malls in a bid to monitor the compliance of suppliers (retail outlets) with their obligations under law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection and ministerial decision No. 5 of 1984 on discounted sales.
 
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 resulted in 28 fines for missing Arabic labels and invoices as well as non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the discount license or promotional offer and non-separation of goods, which represent a violation of law No.8 of 2008 and Ministerial Decision No. 5 of 1984 on discounted sales. Each fine ranged between QR 5000 and QR 6000.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce stressed that retail outlet owners should take the initiative and adopt without any further delay the “Shop with Confidence” mark when it comes to announcing discounts and promotional offers. The mark should be placed on invoices presented to customers, as it represents clear proof to consumers that the concerned shop has obtained the required license from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and that promotions and discounts are being offered in line with applicable laws and legal regulations.
 
The Ministry warned that retail shops which have obtained a license should offer real promotions and refrain from fake and misleading discounts and practices that harm consumers.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law 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 Ministry urges consumers to compare the product price before and after the discount and promotional period. Consumers are also entitled to inspect the product label for the discount percentage as well as the actual and discounted price. Consumers should also ask for a detailed invoice with the actual and discounted price.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
         – Twitter MEC_QATAR
         – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR