The private sector says it is losing SR3 billion annually as a result of fake and counterfeit products flooding the market, prompting companies to file more than 1,200 lawsuits.
The problem lies not just in the influx of cheap and low quality products but in bringing home the kind of goods that could cause immediate and long-term harm.
Consumers who spend the largest part of their income paying bills and struggling to make ends meet should not be blamed when they chose the “Everything for SR2 or SR10” shops to buy what they can afford.
One shouldn’t be surprised seeing goods of every nature selling everywhere. Low price is attractive, but invariably the quality is low. Cheap price which means cheap quality.
What is surprising that these goods are being sold under the very nose of the Ministry of Commerce, the body that is supposed to oversee the markets and ensure consumer safety.
Cheap may be safe when applied to knick-knacks; when it comes to household appliances, it is very different.
Faulty electrical and electronic products that could pose serious threat, causing fires and health problems, and the relevant authorities must intervene.
I remember the case of a young lady who almost lost her hair using a faulty hairdryer.
The machine sucked her hair in and almost burned her head. Civil defense records cite the kind of accidents caused by such products, notably electrical appliances, and find them to be a major cause of fires in homes.
Children’s toys are another problem. Apart from breaking in a record time, these poor quality products — together with perfumes and other cosmetics — contain hazardous chemicals and other materials.
The Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) has issued tough rules governing the sale of consumer goods, especially food and electrical household appliances, but unfortunately these are seldom enforced.
The reason is that customs authorities lack the teeth needed to ensure that all imported goods meet the specifications.
Many importers abide by the rules and work to ensure the goods they bring into the country meet the required standards. Buyers still go elsewhere, however because the organization is not doing enough to educate the public or enforce rules.
It is unfortunate we allow these goods to flood our markets while, as I was told by some manufacturers, we go on laying obstacles in the face of national products. Until the Ministry of Commerce enforces even the existing regulations, all we can do is show more patience and learn how to live with the problem.
