DM to protect consumers from online traders

Dubai Municipality has outlined steps it is taking to ensure compliance by online sales companies, to protect consumers.

Dubai Municipality has been monitoring the excesses of local website traders, and controls the nature of consumer goods such as cosmetics, creams, shampoos and other items sold on those sites, said Sultan Al Suwaidi, Head of Public Safety Section at Dubai Municipality.

* Dubai Municipality will meet shortly with a number of websites traders to seek the means of cooperation and develop a practical and effective mechanism in reducing the sale of consumer goods, which do not meet the health requirements adopted by the emirate which, in turn harm to individuals, Al Suwaidi said.

* The move comes as a result of a number of complaints the municipality received against some of the websites which sold invalid consumer products that affected the public health in one way or another. Such websites offer products the municipality had banned after testing it as it contained materials to be avoided.

* The municipality will cooperate fully with online dealers by providing them with all updates regarding the banned materials in the domestic market, to take the necessary action.

* The consumers also have to bear the responsibility entrusted to them to protect themselves and their children. They must distinguish between good and untrusted products, and do a simple study before buying any product,' he reminded.

* The self-censorship should be the basis in the purchase for consumer and everyone should purchase from stores and places known and monitored by the Public Health and Safety Department at Dubai Municipality. Nevertheless, in case of any damage occurred, consumer can make a complaint clearly with supporting documents to catch offenders.

* The municipal inspectors are keen to ensure the availability of registration certificates for each product, issued either by the Dubai Central Laboratory or Organization for Standardization and Metrology, which means that it has been approved for display and sold after testing it.

* It is also essential to have a user guide about the use and operation of the product in both Arabic and English. All electric products should be three pin to ensure the safety of the user.

* Products including electrical appliances, conductors, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, electric irons, hair dryers, grills, cooking utensils, steamers, ovens, washing machines and refrigerators should be registered.

* Dubai Municipality normally issues a circular to all retailers and suppliers to inform them that there are new item of electrical appliances should be registered before four months to prevent the trading of any banned products.

Fines

In March, the department carried out 62 visits to stores that sell consumer electrical devices. From 442 inspected devices 136 devices found unauthorized.

Some devices classified as invalid as it has either bilateral plug, or they are not registered in the e-system of Municipality, or it lacks production certificate. The total fines imposed during the last month amounted to Dh11,000.

The process of registering electrical and electronic appliances ensuring the safety requirements, gives the consumer high confidence in the quality of traded products and provides a safe environment free from hazards and accidents that may be caused by electrical devices not compliant with the standards of IEC, said Al Suwaidi.

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