All commercial outlets in Qatar have been given less than four months time to switch to electronic weighing scales. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce yesterday issued a circular asking all outlets here to use weighing scales that comply with Qatari specifications by February 28, next year.
The move comes within ministry’s aim to protect consumer rights, ensure transparency in the business transactions and promote trust between traders and consumers. The rule applies to all commercial outlets including groceries, supermarkets and other retail traders.
The ministry said that after the grace period, stringent inspections would follow and erring outlets would have to face legal action as per Consumer Protection Law.
The ministry stressed that the scaling machines should comply with Qatari standards and specifications. Modern digital scales would provide accurate weight reading and prevent outlets from manipulating the machines. Customers will be able to know the weight and corresponding cost of the goods bought.
Electronic scale would eliminate usual glitches that happen when using manual weighing machines. It would also make inspections and auditing easier for both traders and the government authorities concerned, the ministry said in statement yesterday.
