Ministry of Commerce tightens market oversight ahead of Back-to-School season

As Kuwait prepares for the new scholastic year, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has rolled out a seasonal plan to monitor markets for school supplies, particularly stationery, to ensure fair pricing and compliance with regulations. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to protect consumers during peak demand periods.

During a recent field inspection led by Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Commercial Control Department, several violations were detected in the Al-Mirqab wholesale stationery district.

These included the failure to display product prices and country of origin, as well as unauthorized business practices. Legal action was taken against the violators, signaling the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward non-compliance.

To prevent price manipulation, inspectors secured pledges from store managers to maintain stable prices during the school season. Al-Ansari also urged parents and consumers to verify the country of origin of products and remain cautious of counterfeit goods, highlighting that complaints can be lodged through the ministry’s hotline for rapid follow-up, reports Al-Rai daily.

In addition to school supplies, the ministry is closely monitoring other markets. Following the Ministry of Interior’s decision to allow car window tinting of up to 50 percent, inspectors have stepped in to track potential unjustified price hikes for tinting services. Al-Ansari confirmed that cooperation with the Interior Ministry extends to overseeing auto repair shops, car rental offices, and ensuring compliance with regulations banning exhaust amplification devices.

Overall, Al-Ansari emphasized that the ministry’s inspection campaigns, conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities, aim to protect consumer rights and maintain market discipline. Violations that pose serious risks are subject to immediate closure, ensuring the public interest is safeguarded through consistent and comprehensive oversight.

Follow The Times Kuwait on X, Instagram and Facebook for  the latest news updates