Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has said that it will launch a platform for electronic store documentation in cooperation with the private sector, this was revealed on Monday.
It was also revealed that the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has been receiving many complaints against one store, especially those related to fraud, which have been increasing.
Proper regulation for electronic stores will facilitate the process of consumer protection in dealing with complaints received and reducing such practices.
'There will be no harm to individuals who own electronic stores, and we work as much as possible to avoid imposing fees on licensing such electronic stores. The ultimate goal is to regulate the sector for the benefit of the merchants and the buyers,' ' a press statement said.
Under the Ministerial Decision No. 499/2023, individuals and commercial establishments must now apply for an e-commerce license before offering the service.
The introduction of the framework is the result of a National E-commerce Plan, a strategy designed to place Oman as a regional hub for e-commerce, as part of a wider economic diversification strategy. Future phases of the plan include the establishment of an e-commerce complex, and developing the necessary infrastructure to support the sector.
The new framework will require online stores to protect consumer data. According to the regulations, vendors must maintain the confidentiality of consumer data and disclose measures taken to protect the data. In the case of a breach, vendors must immediately contact relevant authorities.
Vendors must also provide a clear framework for receiving and handling consumer complaints, an exchange and return policy on par with current laws, and contact information.
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