More than 3,000 fines for consumer violations

Abu Dhabi authorities issued more than 3,000 fines and confiscated more than 35,000 goods during raids on shops and other outlets to ensure they abide by laws intended to protect local consumers, according to official data.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADED) said its inspectors conducted 113,261 raids and routine inspection visits in 2010 to protect consumers, known brands and commercial agencies.

“These visits resulted in 3016 fines and 230 warnings…around 35460 various goods were impounded, and 90 per cent of the total consumers’ complaints were settled,” ADED said in a report.

“These visits were in line with the 2009 Law 2 which authorized ADED to take measures to protect the work and business environment in Abu Dhabi against all phenomena that could affect commercial and business practices while preserving retailers and consumers’ rights.”

A breakdown showed ADED carried out 39800 inspection visits in Abu Dhabi city, 23048 in Al Mussafah industrial area, 5464 in Al Wathba, 17383 in Western Region, 6103 in Al Shahamah, and 21463 in Al Ain.

The fines issued by the Department covered commercial forgery, fake products, lampposts, illegally presented goods, and illegal peddlers.

The number of warning notices against commercial activities owners stood at  230, with 83 in Abu Dhabi, 34 in Al Mussafah, 62 in Al Wathba, six in the Western Region, 19 in Al Shahamah, and 26 in Al Ain.

Commercial Brands and Agencies Section at ADED carried out 79 inspections, received 130 complaints and impounded 35,460 fake goods.

The impounded goods included 641 electronic and telecommunication gadgets and sport materials, 2,979 batteries, mobile phones and accessories, around 6,791 pieces of clothes, sport materials, CDs and branded garments, 1,598 branded metal pieces and car spare parts, 3,981 electrical appliances and nearly 362 different types of goods.

The reported showed ADED received more than 1,400 complaints last year, including around 288 complaints on price hikes. ADED also received 135 complaints on counterfeit products.

“ADED also decided to present other complaints to the Ministry of Economy, and other government establishments, while others, mainly registered in December, are being reviewed.”

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