RIYADH: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry warned on Monday that heating devices should have a voltage of 220 volts with a capacity not exceeding 2,500 watts.

The announcement was made when MCI inspectors seized more than 3,000 substandard heating devices displayed for sale in shops this winter.

According to an official from MCI, authorities intensified their inspection on heating devices for sale especially during this season when the demand for these items is high.

This season, more than 1,809 visits were paid to commercial facilities which resulted in detecting 483 violations. Inspectors found that these items were not in compliance with Saudi Standard Specifications. “The use of such items in the household can be harmful to the inhabitants of the house,” he said.

MCI inspectors found many violations, such as noncompliance with specifications listed on heating device cartons; also the conditions of 220 or 110 volt were not met. In addition to the absence of the necessary data label, along with the lack of a “How to Use Manual,” there was no two-year warranty commitment and no price tag. MCI takes this opportunity to inform all consumers of the importance of having the data and a price tag on the devices, also the voltage to be 220 volts, and the capacity not to exceed 2,500 watts.

The seller should grant buyers a two-year guarantee for such items, and the guarantee voucher and the bill should be kept by buyers to ensure and preserve their rights.

MCI would like to stress that it will continue its inspection tours on heating devices and related warehouses, to verify their compliance with trade data and the Saudi Standard Specifications.

Meanwhile, the ministry distributed awareness brochures at the time of the inspection campaign, urging consumers to buy the safest heating device that includes an off-switch button. The heating device should be equipped in such a way that children will not be able to insert their hands into it.

The official said that the ministry is keen on protecting consumers’ rights against any hazards from the use of such machines. “The ministry ensures fair competition among businesses while preserving the rights of consumers.”

The ministry started to implement continuous inspection rounds in all regions of the Kingdom to meet the needs of consumers. Until the end of last week, the total inspection rounds covered an electrical and electronic appliances campaign, the campaign for providing maintenance, spare parts and a quality warranty.

The ministry stressed that all commercial institutions and shops should be committed to credibility and transparency, since it will not hesitate in imposing legal penalties on offenders and those violating instructions issued in that regard.

MCI calls on all consumers to lodge their complaints and observations through the toll free number 1900, or through the application of a Commercial Notification.