UAE counterfeit goods rule: Products must be withdrawn within 24 hours
What happens when a fake or adulterated product is found on sale? New regulations set out withdrawal deadlines, consumer alerts, refunds and supplier reporting requirements
Dubai: Any counterfeit goods found on store shelves in the UAE must be pulled from the market within 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
In a press briefing last week, the Ministry highlighted how the UAE takes action against any adulterated, spoiled or counterfeit goods that may be found in the UAE’s markets, specifying that procedures to recall any counterfeit or damaged items is clearly laid out in Cabinet Resolution No. 107 of 2026, which was issued as an executive resolution to the UAE’s Anti-Commercial Fraud Law – Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2023.
The regulations, it said, are aimed at not just combating commercial fraud but also protecting the rights of consumers and trademark owners.
Here is a detailed guide on what happens if an item sold in the UAE is found to be adulterated, spoiled or counterfeit.
1. Products must be withdrawn within 24 hours
If the Ministry or a relevant authority identifies a supplier selling or displaying adulterated, spoiled or counterfeit goods a notice is sent to the supplier. As per Article 5 of the Cabinet Resolution once a supplier is notified by the Ministry or competent authority, it must immediately stop selling or displaying adulterated, spoiled or counterfeit goods.
The goods must then be withdrawn from markets and warehouses within no more than 24 hours of receiving the notification.
2. What if the product has already been distributed to shops?
The law also covers cases where the items have moved out of the supplier’s own premises on to different points of sale. The withdrawal requirement extends beyond the supplier's own premises.
As per Article 5 of the Resolution, the supplier must also notify all points of sale and other entities supplied with the affected goods and ensure they are withdrawn within the stipulated 24-hour period.
3. Consumers must be warned within 48 hours
The law also requires the supplier to put out the necessary advertisements in print, social and online media, in both Arabic and English, to inform consumers of the withdrawal of the products in question.
The announcement must be made within 48 hours at least. This time period may be shortened by the Ministry in cases where the goods pose a risk to the health and safety of humans, animals, or the environment.
4. Can I get a refund if I purchase a recalled item?
Yes, the same Article also lists out the requirements for the ads that the Ministry may ask the suppliers to publish. In the ad, the law requires the supplier to clearly set out the instructions and procedures that need to be followed for obtaining a refund of the value of the item that has been recalled.
5. Suppliers are required to report back within five working days
Once the actions stipulated by the Ministry of relevant authority are taken, suppliers are required to provide a written report as well, providing details of the actions taken. The report should be submitted within five working days from the day the recall procedures were started.
If you feel that an item you have purchased is counterfeit or adulterated, you can call the UAE-wide consumer protection hotline managed by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism on 800 1222 or via WhatsApp at +971 800 1222.
In Dubai, you can call the consumer protection hotline managed by the Department of Economy and Tourism on 600 54 55 55.