RAK issues order to protect buyers' right to return goods

Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah government has issued an order guaranteeing a customer's right to exchange goods or return them altogether after making the purchase.

The Department of Economic Development said refusal by businesses to exchange sold products or refund money would not be acceptable.

The Ras Al Khaimah order is based on a federal law dealing with customer protection.

Crackdown

The department's inspectors have initiated a crackdown against shops that do not comply with its directives.

Shaikha Hussain Al Ali, who heads the Customer Protection and Intellectual Property Section at the department, said officials will also check prices of various items.

"The new decision ordered the establishments to clearly print prices of various products. Failing to do that will be considered a serious offence," said Al Ali, warning that violators will face a series of legal measures, including heavy fines.

"Customers should also be provided with dated receipts for all products they purchase," said Al Ali.

"The emirate's various commercial establishments have already been informed about the new regulations to which they should strictly comply," she added.

Al Ali said the new regulation is aimed at protecting customers and keeping their trust in the products they purchase.

The department will monitor commercial establishments on a continuously basis.

Businesses that used to display signs informing customers about their "no refund or exchange" practice will be carefully watched as the shops have been listed in an earlier field survey.