Muscat – The CPA, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, found that a fish seller had been manipulating the weight of fish, a deceptive practice that violates both consumer trust and legal regulations.

The campaign undertaken by the CPA forms part of broader efforts to monitor markets, prevent harmful practices, curb supplier abuses, and protect consumers from unauthorized goods.
The case unfolded when a consumer reported suspicions about weight manipulation by the establishment. In response, specialists from the Department of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion were dispatched to calibrate and verify the accuracy of the weight machine used by the establishment.

Their investigation revealed that the machine was overestimating the weight by 1 kg, misleading consumers into paying more than they should. As a result, the weight machine was confiscated, and legal measures were initiated against the violators.

The actions of the business contravene Article 2, Clause 2 of the GCC Unified Law on Combating Commercial Fraud, which prohibits any form of deception regarding the weight or properties of goods. Additionally, the practice breaches Article 19, Item 7 of the Executive Regulations of the Consumer Protection Law, which mandates suppliers to ensure accurate measurement and examination of goods.
The Consumer Protection Authority urges all suppliers to comply with consumer protection laws, executive regulations, and relevant decisions. Such adherence not only safeguards consumer rights but also ensures fair and transparent business practices, protecting suppliers from legal consequences.