Doha, August 11 (QNA) - The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has issued a circular warning all car sales outlets (showrooms, online sales platforms, etc.) against selling, displaying, offering, promoting, advertising, supplying, or trading new and used cars that do not comply with Gulf standard specifications.

In a statement on Monday, the MOCI emphasized that this comes within the framework of its keenness to support transparency and enhance mutual trust between consumers and car sales outlets, based on the provisions of Law No. (8) of 2008 regarding consumer protection and its amendments, which clarified the obligations of suppliers and explained how to implement them with terms and standards that are consistent with the provisions of the law and its executive regulations, especially Articles (5), (6), and (13) of the Consumer Protection Law regarding consumer rights.

The MOCI pointed out that Article (5) of the aforementioned law stipulated that the supplier is obligated to return the commodity with a refund of its value or replace or repair the defect free of charge in the event that it does not conform to the established standard specifications. Meanwhile, Article (6) stipulated that it is prohibited to sell, display, present, promote, or advertise any goods that are adulterated or defective, and the commodity is considered adulterated or defective if it does not conform to the established standard specifications.

According to the statement, Article (13) of the same law stipulates that the supplier guarantees that the goods or service provided to the consumer conform to the approved standard specifications announced.

The MOCI urged all relevant car sales outlets to adhere to the terms of this circular, stressing that it will firmly confront anyone who fails to fulfill their obligations under Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its implementing regulations.

It also noted that it will continue its oversight efforts and intensify its inspection campaigns to ensure that all retail outlets and establishments comply with consumer protection laws, curb practices that violate laws and ministerial decisions, and refer violators to the relevant authorities to take the necessary action against them.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to report any violations or abuses via the call center: 16001, or the MOCI's social media accounts. (QNA)