Latest news with #ConsumerProtectionDepartment
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Forum highlights compliance for safe shopping
NIZWA: In an effort to build trust in the commercial sector and promote a transparent and safe shopping environment, the Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate organised a business forum with the theme 'Partnership and Compliance for a Safe Shopping Environment' in Nizwa. The event, held under the auspices of Shaikh Saleh bin Dhiyab al Rubaiee, Wali of Nizwa, aimed to enhance cooperation among all stakeholders in the market and emphasised the importance of creating a safe and equitable shopping environment that upholds consumer rights and promotes transparency. Ali bin Salim al Hadhrami, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, stated that the forum provided an opportunity for traders, entrepreneurs and government agencies to improve market organisation and promote responsibility. He said, "Our goal is to raise awareness, ensure compliance with regulations and listen to feedback from traders. This will protect consumers and contribute to economic sustainability. Adhering to the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations helps prevent harmful practices and safeguards everyone in the market." Three speakers presented working papers on key topics. Dr Abdulsalam bin Salim al Hinai, a Quality Control Specialist for Goods and Services, discussed the key provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and their implementation, while Abdullah bin Saud al Harrasi highlighted the services available to small businesses and strategies for growth. Radhiyah al Riyami, an administrative researcher, outlined the regulations for banning unsafe products and the reasons behind the removal of certain items from the market.
Muscat Daily
03-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Nakhal court jails expat business owner over failure to fulfil contract
Nakhal – The Primary Court in Nakhal has sentenced the owner of a commercial establishment to one year in prison and ordered his deportation after convicting him of failing to fulfil a furniture installation contract. The case began when the Consumer Protection Department in Barka received a complaint from a customer who had contracted the establishment to customise and instal sofas for his home. The agreed cost was RO600, with a completion deadline of three months. However, the establishment failed to deliver the items within the stipulated period, despite repeated assurances. With no resolution in sight, the consumer escalated the matter to authorities. After attempts to reach an amicable settlement failed, the case was referred to the Public Prosecution, which launched an investigation and forwarded it to the court. During the trial, the court found the defendant guilty of a commercial misdemeanour and handed down a one-year jail sentence. It also ordered the deportation of the business owner following the completion of the prison term. Additionally, the court directed the defendant to pay RO500 in civil compensation to the complainant. The Consumer Protection Authority has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and taking strict legal action against violators of the law.
Muscat Daily
29-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman court fines furniture business RO 1,000 for Consumer Law violations
Muscat – The Primary Court in Barka has fined a furniture sales and customization business RO1,000 for breaching Oman's Consumer Protection Law under Royal Decree No. (66/2014) and its executive regulations. The case began when a customer filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Department in Barka after the business failed to deliver five customised bedframes on time. The customer had paid an advance of RO 450 towards a total contract value of RO 870, with an agreement that the products would be ready within three weeks. Despite repeated delays, the establishment did not meet the deadline, prompting the consumer to escalate the matter. After efforts to resolve the dispute amicably failed, the case was handed to the Public Prosecution, which referred it to the court. The court convicted the business representatives of two offences: failing to provide the agreed service properly and not issuing a clear invoice in Arabic as proof of the transaction. Each representative was fined RO 500 for the first offence and RO 400 for the second. The penalties were merged, with the higher fine enforced, and the defendants were ordered to bear legal costs. The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated the importance of compliance with consumer laws and regulations. It said it would take legal action against violators to protect consumer rights and maintain the integrity of commercial transactions.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Awareness seminar highlights safe online shopping in Nizwa
NIZWA: The Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate organised an awareness seminar under the title 'Safe Online Shopping', in cooperation with the Omani Women's Association in the Wilayat of Nizwa and the Ihsan Association — Al Dakhiliyah branch on Wednesday. The event was aimed to raise public awareness about consumer rights and safe purchasing practices amidst the rapid transformation of the digital economy. The seminar, which saw a wide community turnout, began with an opening speech by Ali bin Salim al Hadhrami, Director of the Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliyah. He stated, 'Online shopping has become a part of our daily lives. With this widespread usage, challenges such as commercial fraud, delivery delays and non-compliance with product specifications have also increased. Therefore, awareness is no longer optional — it is essential to protect consumers from practices that harm their interests.' He added: 'This seminar coincides with the launch of the second edition of the 'Safe Shopping in the Digital Economy' campaign for 2025. We hope it will leave a positive impact on the community by enhancing consumer awareness.' The event featured visual presentations and working papers. One of the key presentations was a paper titled 'Electronic Contracting', delivered by legal researcher Nasrah bint Mohammed al Saeghiyah, in which she reviewed key consumer rights in digital transactions. She noted that 3,340 violations of the Consumer Protection Law were recorded in 2023 alone, according to figures presented during the 2024 Public Prosecution Conference. Another working paper was presented by Samiah bint Nasser al Riyamiyah, Quality and Goods Specialist; and Fatma bint Ali al Ramhiyah, Consumer Complaints Researcher, discussing procedures for submitting and processing electronic complaints. The seminar also addressed fundamental consumer rights in online transactions, such as the right to accurate information, freedom of choice, cultural respect, compensation in the case of damage, receiving invoices in Arabic, product quality guarantees and the legal right to return or exchange goods. Mustafa bin Mohammed al Suleimani, Head of the Market Regulation and Monitoring Section, explained that most complaints in the online shopping sector involve cloth and accessories. He emphasised the availability of various complaint channels, including the consumer protection hotline and the official website, noting that administrative penalties such as fines and license revocations are imposed on violators.
Muscat Daily
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Nakhal court slaps RO3,000 fine on car dealer for contract breach
Muscat – The Primary Court in Nakhal has fined a commercial establishment RO3,000 and terminated a vehicle purchase contract following a consumer complaint over a delayed and defective car delivery. In a complaint filed by a woman with the Consumer Protection Department in Barka, she stated that she purchased a 2022 model year used vehicle from a dealer for RO14,450 with delivery scheduled for January 25, 2025. However, the dealer not only failed to deliver the vehicle on time but supplied a different model with multiple defects despite the delay. Following the complaint, the matter was referred to the Public Prosecution and then to the court, which found three defendants guilty of two misdemeanours – failing to provide the agreed service and failing to disclose the vehicle's condition in the contract or invoice. Each defendant was fined RO500 for each offence, resulting in a total fine of RO3,000. The court also ordered the dealer to refund the full amount paid by the consumer (RO14,450), compensate the customer an additional RO500 and cover all legal expenses. Consumer Protection Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights and warned that it would continue to take strict legal action against violators. It also urged all commercial establishments to adhere to applicable laws and regulations to avoid similar legal action.
