The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has trained 800 inspectors to hunt down market and shop owners who fail to attach price tags to their merchandise.
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of commerce and industry, said the ministry would follow up on the Cabinet’s decision on the application of penalties and fines on violators of business transactions in the local market.
He said the step would ensure transparency and integrity and create a sound business environment that would put an end to deceitful practice that negatively reflects on local markets.
The minister said the decision comes in line with increased efforts to support and uphold competitiveness in the Saudi commercial sector and in promoting the national economy’s growth.
Al-Rabiah explained that the decision authorizes ministry officials to enforce penalties on violators, which could reach up to SR 20,000 and the closure of stores.
Officials of the ministry would carry out inspections of markets and stores to ensure that traders stick price tags on their commodities.
Last month, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry asked all shops to display prices of goods in order to ensure transparency in their dealings with consumers.
“All supermarkets, shops and sales outlets are required to place price tags on the products they display effective April 11," the ministry said.
The ministry said the step aims at combating commercial fraud and ensuring price control.
The ministry has trained and employed 500 inspectors, in addition to another 300 employees already in service to control and report on any possible violations.
According to the ministry’s guidelines, business violations include failure to put price tags on products, use of expired raw materials, dumping of industrial waste in unauthorized areas and noncompliance with other sales regulations.
Price tags on goods a must
