Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Division in the Department of Economic Development in Ajman Receives 836 Consumer Complaints in 2015

The CCCPD made a total of 37,680 consumer protection field visits in 2015.

The CCCPD has received 65 complaints from 190 commercial brands in 2015, which have dropped compared with last year.

Ajman, United Arab Emirates: According to statistics released by the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Division (CCCPD) in the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ajman, the CCCPD has received 836 consumer protection complaints in 2015, which have dropped compared to 982 complaints in 2014. These results are due to the continuous efforts made by the department to spread awareness to consumers and merchants in the Emirate of Ajman through holding exhibitions and events that can raise awareness among consumers and merchants, and increases their knowledge about their rights and responsibilities. The CCCPD also received 65 trade complaints from 190 brands during 2015, which have decreased compared to 80 commercial complaints in 2014. As for commercial fraud complaints, the division made several inspection visits to unlicensed shops and warehouses and handled the violations within the framework of fighting commercial fraud.

The CCCPD made 37,680 field visits to retail outlets, shopping centers, shops, and markets in the Emirate of Ajman during 2015. The number of field visits increased compared with 30,886 field visits in 2014, as part of the management's plan to ensure that economic activities are performed according to the federal and local laws adopted by the department. In addition, more than 14 inspection campaigns were carried out in 2015 compared to 12 in 2014, which were done in collaboration with many strategic partners.

HE Ali Issa Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development in Ajman, said that "the department is keen to address all complaints it receives as soon as possible, as the department seeks to promote transparency and facilitate the relationship between the merchant and the consumer, building on its strategy aimed at the adoption of the best practices and quality systems, and the development of government performance. The department is also working to highlight and raise awareness about consumer rights, in order to enhance sustainable development in Ajman and provide the ideal environment to attract investments.

Mr. Saud Sultan Al Shammari, director of the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Division, said: As part of the CCCPD's work plan aimed at eliminating negative phenomena that may undermine the reputation of economic activity in the emirate, the division stepped up its visits to violating economic establishments. Violation fees range from AED 1000 up to AED 100,000, and may result in the closure of the establishment until the conditions are settled. Overtime work without declaration to the department topped the list of violations, which have been declared only by establishments that provide services to consumers, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and others. Also, more than 50 unlicensed warehouses were detected in the emirate. The value of refunds made to consumers by the DED in 2015 exceeded two million dirhams.  Various complaints were made, mostly complaints of delays in services. The CCCPD of the DED in Ajman calls on the people to not hesitate in reporting any violation of their rights by calling the department's toll-free number 80055.