Muscat – The settlement came after the consumer filed a complaint with the CPA, stating that he had contracted the company to purchase and ship a vehicle from the United States to the Sultanate of Oman. Despite having paid all agreed-upon costs related to the vehicle’s purchase and shipping, the company delayed delivery after the vehicle’s arrival at Sohar Port, leading to the accumulation of additional customs fees.

According to the complaint, the company demanded the consumer pay the extra customs charges, even though no such condition was outlined in their original agreement. The CPA launched an investigation, which revealed that the company had delayed the vehicle’s delivery by nearly a month — a breach of contract under consumer protection laws.
Following mediation by the CPA, the company agreed to a financial settlement and returned RO 7,800 to the consumer.

This action falls under the CPA’s ongoing mission to protect consumer rights and ensure businesses adhere to fair practices. The Authority cited Article 19, Clause 5 of the executive regulations of the Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits providers from failing to deliver goods or services within the agreed timeframe.

The Consumer Protection Authority urges providers to comply with the applicable consumer protection laws and to fulfil the requirements and obligations imposed on them, as this preserves consumers’ rights when supplying any goods or services