The Ministry of Economy unveiled a comprehensive set of administrative penalties and fines, ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million, as part of the new Consumer Protection Law No. 5 of 2023. Under the amendments to Federal Law No. 15 of 2020, these penalties aim to address 46 types of consumer protection violations. Abdullah Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, presented these measures during a briefing session, significantly strengthening the UAE’s consumer protection system.
The penalties cover various offences, including a Dh250,000 fine for suppliers failing to adhere to repair, maintenance, after-sales services, or return goods within a specified time after a defect is discovered. Another notable penalty is a Dh200,000 fine for non-compliance with standard specifications, rules, and safety conditions.
Al Saleh emphasised the diverse range of penalties, from warnings to fines, and the potential for license cancellation or deregistration in cases of repeated offences. These measures aim to streamline the litigation process related to consumer protection, ultimately contributing to safeguarding consumer rights across the country.
The new Consumer Protection Law also introduces amendments that enhance the role of local authorities, providing them with more legislative powers to enforce consumer protection laws effectively. The amendments further detail a supplier’s obligations regarding spare parts and goods repair, introduce mechanisms for dispute resolution on goods quality and establish a time frame for suppliers to fulfil obligations in case of defects. The overarching objective is to create a transparent and secure consumer environment, aligning with the strategic goals outlined in the vision of “We the UAE 2031.”
