DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has announced one-month closure of a retail outlet located in Ain Khaled for displaying and selling counterfeit women accessories bearing international trademarks.

The inspection campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities in order to crack down on price manipulation and uncover violations as well as counterfeit, fraudulent and substandard products.

The outlet was fined and closed for a one-month for violating article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. Article 7 compels suppliers to clearly display on the product’s package or label the type and nature of the item as well as other relevant data. The law also prohibits the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.

The administrative closure announcement shall be published at the expense of the company or shop that committed the violation in accordance with Article (18) of Law No. (8) on Consumer Protection. The law stipulates that the closure decision shall be published on the ministry’s website and in two daily newspapers at the expense of the violating company.

The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its implementing regulations and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down 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 consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions to Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department.