The Ministry of Commerce & Industry carried out inspection campaigns on a number of retail outlets in different regions across Qatar, with the aim of monitoring the extent to which suppliers abide by Law No. (8) of 2008 regarding Consumer Protection, and Circular No. (2) of 2021 recently issued by the Ministry regarding refraining from circulating goods bearing slogans and symbols that violate Islamic values, customs and traditions.
These campaigns form part of the Ministry’s consumer protection efforts by monitoring markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and controlling prices, as well as detecting abuses and commodities that are falsified, counterfeit or non-conforming to standard specifications.
The campaigns resulted in the seizure and release of a number of violations, including the confiscation of children’s toys bearing slogans that go against Islamic values, customs and traditions. This practice violates the provisions of Article No. (2) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which 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.” It also comes in violation of article (16) of the same law, which states that the supplier shall be liable for any damage resulting from the usage and consumption of the commodity.
The practice additionally violates Circular No. (2) of 2021 issued by the Ministry regarding refraining from circulating goods bearing slogans and symbols that violate Islamic values, customs and traditions.
In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its executive regulations, and that it would intensify its inspection campaigns. Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would take the due action.
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry