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As part of its efforts to regulate and monitor markets and commercial activities across the country through periodic and surprise inspections campaigns aimed at controlling prices, uncovering violations and protecting consumer rights, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has recently cracked down on several violations at a food supplies sale center.
 
During a regular inspection campaign by judicial officers, the ministry uncovered a large shortage in food supplies compared to the records of food supply sales registered in a system installed by the ministry at the store. The ministry also seized more than 30 ration cards at the company in the absence of its owners.
 
This is a clear violation of the provisions of Article 10 of Law No. (5) of 2017 which regulates dealing in subsidized goods. The law stipulates that “those licensed to deal in subsidized goods and their employees are prohibited from possessing or dealing in subsidized goods in any way that violates the law. The licensee shall not register any statements contrary to the truth in statements, receipts or disbursement of subsidized goods. The licensees must also keep invoices or other documents that prove the purchase or sale of any quantity of such goods and shall deliver copies to the competent department, upon request. ”
 
Violation of Law No. (5) of 2017 on the regulation of dealing in subsidized goods shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and a fine of not more than 500,000 riyals or one of these two penalties.
 
The Ministry stressed that subsidized commodities and feeds are a right to citizens that cannot be waived in favor of a third party regardless of reasons. The ration card and its secret code should be kept in a safe place. Its possession or use by third parties will subject them to legal accountability.
 
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of 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 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