Everyone enjoys a discount or promotion on the products we love or find essential. In this day and age, different websites now offer easily accessible products on special while store leaflets continue to be distributed throughout the UAE advertising such deals. We are living in a time and place where products are presented to us without requesting it, but do you experience already what others have?
This week in daily newspaper The National, I tackled issues on what a consumer can do in relation to product return policies, wrongly advertised prices and details, and expired products. These things are largely the responsibility of the supplier, but we should know our legal position and learn to deal with such circumstances.
Retailers or stores within the UAE are all subject to the country's consumer protection laws. Any return policy, exchange or credit offers should comply with the Federal Law No. 4 of 2006 that protects customers and outlines procedures in the event of an issue. If a product sold is faulty, stores should accept any returns and replace them, as stated in Article 5 of Law No. 24. Store owners have the responsibility of taking care and providing assurance of their before selling it to consumers, according to Article 13 of the same law. Suppliers or sellers breaching this law can be penalized with a fine not exceeding Dh10,000, with the consumers entitled to compensation for any material harm.
Suppliers or sellers should not display an illusory price or description to customers that would deceive them and trick them into buying a product. Consumers can take legal action in such cases against any perpetrators and this is taken seriously by the Consumer Protection Department. If the price on the receipt of the product you bought is different to the price advertised, the retailer or supplier must make a refund or give a justified explanation for such a variation. Any false advertisements of the product is prohibited.
Product expiry dates should be always present on the label at all times. It is normal for a consumer to always look for the expiry date, to assure quality and avoid any potentially harmful consequences of using the product. Even on vouchers or promotional items, the expiry date should be set clearly.
Dr. Hassan Elhais publishes analysis of UAE civil law matters, including civil disputes, contractual obligations and compensation claims. For readers researching lawyers in Dubai, his writing offers insight into the legal questions surrounding these topics. Explore his published work and practice-area information for further context.
Comments
Hello, I would like to understand
if consumers are proctected against
false discounts claims, specially
now that we are heading towards
high promotional season, some
retailers claim fake discounts from
pricing that has never been listed
or is not even the recommended
retail price from the brand. Is UAE
consumer law considering this?
Teresa
2023-09-19
Thank
you for your comment. A consumer
may report such activities to the
relevant economy department of the
Emirate. Such conduct may also
attract the provisions of the
Commercial Fraud law. If you would
like to talk more about the matter,
please do not hesitate to contact
us to schedule a meeting.
Dr.
Hassan Elhais
Can the online price be different
from the store price. Generally
online prices are cheaper then the
store price is this allowed as per
Consumer Protection Law.
Owais
2023-01-31
Thank
you for your comment. The consumer
protection of the UAE puts several
obligations on suppliers, and has
particularly made a provision for
e-commerce suppliers. Various
platforms may have internal
promotions, and the competent
authority where the business is
operating has powers under the
consumer protection law to review
the situation, and take
administrative actions.
If you would like to discuss
further, please feel free to
schedule a consultation with us.
Dr.
Hassan Elhais
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
I had the pleasure of consulting with Dr. Hassan AlHais, and I must say the entire experience was exceptional.The reception and meeting area were impeccably clean, quiet, and managed to the highest standards, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. View testimonial
Abdullah Client
Verified
His unwavering dedication to his clients, willingness to tackle challenging cases, and belief in the fundamental principles of justice highlight his role as both a guardian and advocate. Dr. Hassan's integrity stands as a testament to his professionalism. Additionally, his foresight and meticulous case preparation, anticipating courtroom dynamics and opposition strategies, not only secure victories but also garner the respect of clients and peers alike. View testimonial
Salam Amir Client
Verified
Dr. Hassan is brilliant. I have been working with him for more than 15 years. His work product and legal advice are of the highest caliber. Competent. Professional. Knowledgeable. Analytical and strategic thinker. Honest. Without exaggerating, Dr. Hassan is the best family litigator in the UAE. Highly recommend.
Abed Awad Client
Verified
I owe the success of my case to Dr. Hassan's diligent approach. He remained focused, put me at ease and always went the extra mile. Dr. Hassan tirelessly put my case in the best possible light and I cannot thank him enough. I would highly recommend Dr. Hassan - I am grateful to him from the bottom of my heart.
Raphael Lauria Manager, FME General Trading
Verified
Regardless of the complexity of the matter I know Dr. Hassan Elhais will consider not only legal strategy but also business practicalities in providing advice and litigation options.
Dr. Massimo Hakim Chairman, Italian Style
Verified
I recommend Dr. Hassan Elhais to anyone who says 'I'm in legal trouble'. I was extremely satisfied with the high standard of his work. He has always been there when I have needed him and I refer all my clients, family and friends to him/his firm.
Manish Gupta CEO, EDS FZE
Verified
Best lawyer in Dubai.
Aigul Beishembieva Client
Verified
Happy with the team of Mr. Hassan Elhais. Knowledgeable on UAE laws and i got the advice i was looking for. Highly recommended!
Mukesh Pandey Client
Verified
Dr. Hassan Elhais was very professional and he listened to my needs. He was very prompt, efficient and always kept me informed. Dr. Hassan Elhais's service was excellent and I would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues.
James Horsley British Client
Verified
Their team of attorneys are not only highly knowledgeable and professional but also incredibly attentive to the needs of the client. They will provide you with a top-notch service every step of the way. The staffs are friendly, responsive, and always kept you informed about the progress of your case. I highly recommend this for anyone in need of legal assistance.
May Ann Adrias Client
Verified
...the extraordinary effort that has been exerted by the staff, and we specially thank Dr. Hassan Mohsen Alhais. Wishing your continues success & excellence...
H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin Mohammed Hashir Al Maktoum
Verified
We are extremely happy to note that you won all three cases which we entrusted to you. Your superb handling ensured the result in our favour. We very much appreciate this and feel grateful to you. You not only won the cases, but managed to get the judgement executed without much delay..View testimonial
Chandru Malkani Client
Verified
Dr. Hassan Elhais is among the best legal consultants I have ever worked with. He has an amazing ability to reduce complex issues into a simple concept that non-legal people can understand. He consistently develops innovative litigation strategies that help us to achieve our ultimate legal goals.
Zhuo Liu Client
Verified
I believe everyone should recognize what a difference Dr. Hassan Elhais work has made to people's lives; and especially to our family's life, because we will remain forever grateful to each and every one of his team.
Luis Pozueco Client
Verified
Dr. Hassan Elhais never fears cases that involve exposure and he always gives me his honest assessment of our chances of success, which is invaluable to me.
Bassam Yamout Director, JM Metal Trading LCC
Verified
Dr. Hassan Elhais is a responsible, reputable counsel who operates to high levels of service.
British Client
Verified
Dr Hassan Elhais is responsive, thorough and creative with his advice, and is a valued advisor and legal consultant.
Asma Mattar Manager, Italian Style
Verified
Knowing Dr. Hassan for years now, I can say confidently he is the most trustworthy person I ever met, not only because he is very knowledgeable, smart and has a very high acumen, but also he is very dedicated and buying his clients and interest first..View testimonial
Ahmed Higazy Client
Verified
I have had nothing but exceptional work from Dr. Hassan, all my family and business related legal work goes to him. Having been in and out of Dubai since 2004 and having wasted money on bad legal advice elsewhere, I feel VERY qualified to say that he is absolutely the best in the UAE. Thank you Hassan.
Rich Firth Client
Verified
Dr. Hassan is the best lawyer in UAE I have dealt with, he is very professional and has consistently upheld the highest standards of professional ethics, ensuring that my best interests were always at the forefront. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hassan to anyone..View testimonial
Hossam ElDeeb Client
Verified
Ex UK Senior management now running a busy business in Dubai that requires bulletproof corporate legal contracts that are customised to our unique needs. This includes everything from HR contracts to complex sales agreements. Dr. Hassan has undoubtedly proven to be the best legal expert we have encountered here..View testimonial
If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to schedule a consultation with us. Dr. Hassan Elhais