Consumer Protection and Anti-Counterfeit Laws in the UAE
In the UAE, Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 (Consumer Protection Law) sets out rules to safeguard consumers. It ensures that goods and services meet quality standards, regulates their prices, and protects the health and safety of buyers. In addition, Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2023 (Commercial Fraud Law) addresses the issue of counterfeit goods and all forms of commercial fraud.
Right to Accurate Information
Under Article 4 of the Consumer Protection Law, consumers in the UAE are entitled to receive correct and clear information about the goods or services they purchase. Specifically, Article 4(2) grants consumers the right to know essential details about products they use or services they receive.
To support this, Articles 7 and 8 place obligations on suppliers and service providers to share key details, including explanatory information about a product or service. For instance, Article 8 requires that consumers be given a proper invoice when buying any product. This invoice must mention details such as the business name, address, product type, quantity, price, and any other legally required information.
Additionally, Cabinet Resolution No. 66 of 2023, which provides the executive regulations for the Consumer Protection Law, specifies the information that must be provided with a product, including:
- Name, type, nature, ingredients, and quantity of the product (weight, measurement, or other standard units).
- Country of origin (with “Made in [Country]”).
- Country of export (if applicable).
- Producer or importer’s name, commercial address, or trademark.
- Date of production and expiry/shelf life.
- Instructions for handling, storage, and usage.
- Clear warnings of potential risks from misuse.
- Identification of consumer groups at risk (such as children, elderly, or people with disabilities).
Selling Counterfeit Products in the UAE
According to Article 4(1) of the Commercial Fraud Law, it is strictly prohibited to import, export, produce, manufacture, sell, store, transport, market, promote, or even attempt to trade in counterfeit goods. In other words, selling fake products in the UAE is illegal.
Remedies for Consumers Sold Counterfeit Products
If a consumer unknowingly purchases counterfeit goods, Article 7 of the Commercial Fraud Law requires the supplier to replace or exchange the goods at the customer’s request. Consumers also retain the right to seek compensation. This means that a customer can claim both a refund and damages if they were unaware that the goods were fake at the time of purchase.
Penalties for Suppliers
The law takes violations seriously. Article 17 of the Commercial Fraud Law states that anyone found guilty of selling counterfeit products can face imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000.
Conclusion
Together, the Consumer Protection Law and the Commercial Fraud Law in the UAE establish strong safeguards against counterfeit products. They ensure consumers have access to accurate product information and protect them from fraud. Where violations occur, strict penalties apply. Importantly, customers who unknowingly purchase counterfeit goods are entitled to refunds and compensation, provided they can show proof of purchase and good faith.
