How to report fake goods in the UAE
According to consumer protection laws, selling counterfeit or fake goods in the UAE is a punishable crime. Any person or business caught retailing replicas in the UAE can be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison with a fine of up to AED 250k. While the authorities continue successful crackdowns on counterfeiters and replica retailers, it is also the consumers’ responsibility to report fake goods in the UAE.
WHERE AND HOW TO REPORT FAKE GOODS IN THE UAE
Consumer rights in the UAE are protected by the Consumer Protection Department of the Ministry of Economy. The implementation of consumer protection laws and procedures in each emirate falls under the charter of their individual departments of economic development. Therefore, all complaints related to counterfeit goods in the UAE must be directed to the department of economic development of the respective emirate where it occurs.
Here’s an emirate-wise break down of how you can report replica or fake goods in the UAE.
DUBAI
The emirate of Dubai gives you two separate channels to file consumer complaints, which includes reporting retailers selling fake products in UAE.
You can choose to lodge your grievances on Dubai’s consumer rights complaint portal. This a simple form that asks you for details and evidences of your claim and submits it for resolution.
The other option is to use the Dubai Consumer App. Easy to use, this app allows you to file complaints on-the-go.
To report fake goods in Dubai using the Dubai Consumer app, here’s what you need to do:
- Download the app – available on both Apple Store and Google Play
- Register yourself
- Choose the “consumer complaint” option
- File your report and wait for DED Dubai to respond
Dubai also gives its residents the opportunity to check the authenticity of a variety of products using the Montaji App. The app proves specifically useful when you’re buying personal care, health and safety products.
ABU DHABI
There are multiple avenues provided by Abu Dhabi DED to report fake or counterfeit products in the UAE’s capital.
- Contact: +971-800-555 (toll free)
- Email: contact@tamm.abudhabi
- Tamm website: www.tamm.abudhabi
You can also physically visit Tamm Service Centres in Abu Dhabi to report fake items sold in the UAE. Tamm Service Centres are located in the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain City, Madinat Zayed, Dalma Island and Khalifa City A.
SHARJAH
Residents of Sharjah can report fake goods in the UAE via the consumer protection complaint form provided on the Sharjah Economic Development Department website.
AJMAN
For complaints against counterfeits, imitations or replicas in Ajman, UAE, you can reach out to the Ajman Department of Economic Development.
- Contact: +971-800-70
You can also file yours complaints on the Ajman DED consumer complaint portal.
RAS AL KHAIMAH
To report replicas and fake products in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – simply lodge a complaint on their official consumer complaint portal.
UMM AL QUWAIN
For complaints against Umm Al Quwain retailers selling fake goods in the UAE, get in touch with the Umm Al Quwain Department of Economic Development.
- Contact: +971-6-765-2200
FUJAIRAH
People living in Fujairah, UAE can lodge complaints against sellers of imitation or counterfeit products in the emirate to the Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy.
- Contact: +971-9-2050514 | +971-9-2050535
- Email: diefuj@emirates.net.ae
Apart from the above-mentioned contacts, you can also file a fake goods complaint in the UAE on the consumer rights protection hotline 600-522-225 provided by the Ministry of Economy.
While the government places significant emphasis on ensuring protection of consumer rights in the UAE, it is the buyer’s responsibility to be mindful of what they purchase and how much they pay for a product.
The long-standing legal doctrine of caveat emptor with translates to “let the buyer beware” places the onus of due diligence on the buyer. It’s important for you to be aware of the legality of the product, steer away from unsavoury dealings and take the necessary steps to inform the authorities about it.
It is also imperative for the buyer to be aware of taxes applicable to consumer products. There are products subject to excise tax in the UAE to discourage their use.
In the end, it all boils down to awareness. The more awareness you have about products, prices, taxes and the laws that govern them – the more difficult it is for sellers and businesses to scam you.
Have you ever been a victim of fake goods in the UAE? If yes, what did you do about it? Let us know in the comments below.
