An official from the ministry examines tires at a shop in Industrial Area, yesterday.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out a surprise inspection campaign targeting tyre shops and warehouses in the Industrial Area in a bid to monitor the compliance of suppliers (retail outlets) with their obligations under law number (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection.
The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to regulate and monitor markets and commercial activities as well as to crack down on price manipulation and uncover violations in a bid to protect consumer rights.
This inspection campaign resulted in the seizure and inspection of 185 tyres of three brands. The concerned department sent samples of these tyres for inspection by competent authorities. Authorities found that original expiry dates were concealed and replaced with new expiry dates on 30 of the seized tyres, which represents a violation of article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. Article 7 compels suppliers to clearly display on the product’s package the type and nature of the item as well as other relevant data in line with the law’s implementing regulations. The law also compels the display of warning risks pertaining to the use of the product while prohibiting the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.
Violations of law number 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection result in penalties including administrative closures and fines ranging between QR3,000 and QR1m.
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection 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
