Abdul Rahman Al Muaini is the Assistant Undersecretary of Intellectual Property sector at the Ministry of Economy. SUPPLIED

The UAE’s Ministry of Economy’s Consumer Protection and Commercial Control department has warned consumers against buying fake products. Abdul Rahman Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary of Intellectual Property sector, said that regular monitoring campaigns are being conducted, and warned violators of penalties. This year, the ministry conducted 21,298 inspections and found 1,189 violations. “ monitoring campaigns in the country’s markets on an ongoing basis, in coordination with the economic development departments, municipalities, customs bodies and services, the Federal Tax Authority, chambers of commerce and other relevant bodies,” Al Muaini said. “These efforts assess the compliance of outlets and businesses with the country’s legislation and penalize violators,” he added. The ministry recently organized an awareness workshop in countering counterfeit and fraudulent goods. The workshop was held in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. For consumers, the official said that buying only genuine items protects UAE consumers “from the damage of fraud and counterfeit products and the risks involved in using them.” In the UAE, residents are urged to report counterfeit goods to the Economic Crimes Section at the UAE Ministry of Interior. Counterfeit goods will be seized and violators face civil and criminal charges, which carries severe penalties for violators, including imprisonment, deportation and a fine of between Dh100,000 to Dh1 million. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page