Cabinet approves Consumer Protection Law

The UAE Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the issuing of a Federal Law on Consumer Protection which comes in light of the government endeavours to achieve the continuous development of the legislation that affects the lives of UAE citizens and residents alike, and in a manner that guarantees the protection of consumers and stability of prices in accordance with the best practices.

The Law is in line with the Gulf Co-operation Council Countries' (GCC), Unified Law on Consumer Protection, in a manner that ensures legislative integration between GCC Countries.

The Law aims to continue providing adequate protection to consumers in light of the technological advancement and accelerated growth seen by the electronic commerce.

The Law also ensures the delivery of goods and services according to production and distribution patterns tailored to consumers’ needs and limits any practices that may have negative impacts on consumers.

The Law also aims to encourage sustainable consumption and provides the necessary conditions for creating a free market where consumers are granted the right to choose freely with fair prices. In addition, the Law encourages the creation of a code of ethics for goods and services producers and distributors.

Once issued, the Law will regulate the work of suppliers, advertisers and commercial agents with regard to consumer protection, control price increases under unusual circumstances, ensure the implementation of guarantees for goods and services provided by the producer or principal and regulate the e-commerce work. Besides, the Law will determine the applicable penalties and grievances in this regard.

WAM