The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) issued circular 1/2021 on Sunday regulating the marketing of goods and services in commercial complexes and shopping areas as per the law.
"Regarding what was noticed from several authorized sellers and suppliers in malls and commercial centers during their operation, through chasing and harassing consumers inappropriately to market the goods they are selling or the services they are providing, this contradicts with the consumer's right in choosing freely when selecting the item or receiving the service issued in the article (14) from Consumer Protection Law issued by a Royal Decree 66/2014. Therefore, the authority calls upon all the suppliers not to do these practices and breaching the abovementioned law which will lead the perpetrator to legal liability," the statement said.
Under Article (14), Consumers’ rights are guaranteed under the provisions of this law and particularly with regard to the following:
The right to gain access to correct information on the commodities being purchased or used or the services received.
The right to freedom of choice when selecting any commodity or service.
The right to guarantee the quality of the commodity or service and to acquire the same at the declared price.
The right to all that guarantees the consumer’s health and safety upon acquiring any commodity or receiving any service and safety from damages or harms upon the normal and ordinary use of this commodity or service.
The right to receive fair compensation for damages suffered by the consumer or the property thereof and which results from the procurement or ordinary use of the commodity or the receipt of the service.
The right to represent the interests of the consumer upon the formulation of consumer protection policies.
The right to respect the consumers’ religious values and customs and traditions upon being provided with any commodity or service.
Article (16)
The customer, and within a period of fifteen (15) days as of his receipt of any commodity- save consumer items that are readily spoilable - shall be entitled to replace, return or refund the value of the commodity without any additional costs if such commodity is defective or incompliant with the standard specifications or unfit for the purpose for which the commodity was procured, provided that the consumer shall submit proof of purchase of the commodity from the provider and that the defect is not due to misuse by the consumer of the commodity.
The regulations shall stipulate the type of commodities on which the provisions of this article shall apply.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
