Commerce Ministry records 857 violations in December as inspection campaigns intensify

Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that inspection teams recorded 857 violations during December 2025 as part of intensive monitoring campaigns carried out across various commercial activities nationwide.

The inspections come within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to regulate the market, strengthen compliance with laws and protect consumer rights.

Al-Ansari explained that price violations topped the list, with 166 citations issued for failure to clearly display prices, in addition to violations related to restaurant delivery charges and discrepancies in the prices and weights of certain basic commodities.

He stressed that price transparency remains one of the most important pillars of regulatory work, reports Al-Rai daily.

He added that 94 violations were issued for non-compliance with the use of the Arabic language in commercial data and invoices, while 34 violations were related to failure to display product data and country of origin, and 29 violations concerned missing basic information on invoices and commercial contracts.

Al-Ansari noted that 57 violations were recorded for the absence of a clear and visible policy explaining exchange and return mechanisms.

Other violations included the imposition of illegal fees on consumers and the use of phrases that violate the law. In addition, eight complaints were registered due to failure to adhere to the terms agreed upon at the time of sale.

The department also issued 26 violations for commercial fraud, including the trading or display of counterfeit, spoiled or expired goods, as well as cases of misleading advertising and the provision of incorrect information to consumers.

In the automotive sector, 19 violations were issued for failing to specify warranty periods for new or refurbished spare parts, and five violations were recorded for non-compliance with warranty periods related to maintenance and repair services.

Regarding promotional activities, Al-Ansari said that 14 violations were recorded for conducting discounts or special offers without a license.

Additional violations included exceeding the approved duration of licensed offers, failing to remove advertisements after expiry, and not placing price tags on goods included in promotions.

In the food sector, inspection teams recorded 18 violations for non-compliance with country-of-origin labeling for vegetables and fruits, 10 violations for breaching regulations on retail sales of produce, 17 violations related to the circulation of energy drinks, and six violations for selling cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21.

Al-Ansari confirmed that monitoring campaigns are continuing around the clock and urged business owners to comply fully with laws and regulations.

He stressed that the ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against violators in order to regulate the market, protect consumers and strengthen confidence in the commercial environment.