Commerce Ministry seizes 800 counterfeit goods in Friday Market crackdown
MCI vows zero tolerance, intensifies anti-counterfeit campaign as inspectors uncover illegal branded goods
Inspection teams from Ministry of Commerce and Industry have confiscated hundreds of counterfeit products during a field campaign targeting commercial violations at the Friday Market, as authorities intensify efforts to combat commercial fraud and protect intellectual property rights.
The Commercial Control Department announced that approximately 800 counterfeit items were seized, including shoes and women’s handbags bearing internationally recognized brand names that were being displayed and sold illegally.
Director of the Commercial Control Department, Faisal Al-Ansari, said inspection teams documented the violations and prepared an official report ahead of referring the case to the Commercial Prosecution to initiate the necessary legal procedures.
Al-Ansari affirmed that trading in counterfeit products represents a direct violation of intellectual property protection and anti-commercial fraud laws, stressing that firm legal measures will be enforced against those found in breach of the regulations.
He added that monitoring campaigns will continue across markets without interruption, including during official holidays, underscoring the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward traders promoting imitation products.
The ministry reaffirmed that ongoing inspection drives aim to safeguard consumer rights, protect original trademark owners, and preserve confidence in Kuwait’s commercial markets.
Authorities have repeatedly intensified market surveillance campaigns in recent years as part of broader efforts to curb counterfeit trade and ensure compliance with commercial regulations.
