The Ministry of Commerce and Industry organised an awareness workshop targeting the automotive agency sector, as well as the retail, fashion and beauty salon sectors, with the aim of enhancing understanding of the consumer protection law and supporting compliance by commercial establishments.
The workshop reflects the Ministry’s commitment to improving commercial practices in the Qatari market and strengthening adherence to Law No. (8) of 2008 on consumer protection and its amendments, along with relevant ministerial circulars designed to safeguard consumer rights and reinforce trust in commercial transactions.
Held over three days, the workshop provided a comprehensive overview of key provisions of the law, including essential legal terminology, general consumer rights, supplier obligations, procedures for seizing materials and taking samples, and penalties for violations. It also highlighted consumer rights related to price disclosure, issuing invoices, Arabic-language requirements, and the provision of warranties, maintenance services, and spare parts.
The programme further explained the full reporting cycle— from initial submission to approval and implementation— and outlined common violations of the law and how to avoid them. It also reviewed Ministry’s circulars on matters such as reserving new vehicles and services, transparent price disclosure for vehicles, spare parts and maintenance, and the prohibition on exporting new vehicles.
The workshop concluded with recommendations emphasising the need for stronger coordination between the Ministry, automotive agencies, showrooms, maintenance centres, electronics and appliance suppliers, and the retail sector, to enhance compliance and reduce violations. It also underscored the importance of suppliers adhering to the Ministry’s circulars, and of continuing to educate and support commercial establishments in understanding their legal obligations, thereby strengthening consumer protection and reinforcing confidence in the national commercial environment.
