ADDED raid seizes counterfeit goods

ABU DHABI / WAM

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s Abu Dhabi Business Center (ADBC) has launched 247
inspection raids to stores and commercial establishments in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region in
the first quarter of 2016, where 200,428 counterfeit products were confiscated including auto spare parts, electronic devices, clothes,
accessories, beauty products and other items.
The Q1, 2016 Report, issued by the ADDED’s Commercial Protection Division, said that the raid resulted in issuing 1555 fines against the stores and establishments that violated the laws and regulations of practicing business activity in some sectors across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Seven stores were closed for non-compliance with the emirate’s business practice laws and regulations.
According to the report, 33,164 field visits were conducted to Abu Dhabi’s stores and establishments in Q1 of 2016. In the same period, the Commercial Protection Division received 945 complaints from consumers and trade mark owners about wrong or illegal practices by some businesses, street vendors and others.
Khalifa bin Salem Al Mansouri, ADDED Acting Undersecretary, stressed the ADDED commitment to trace and eliminate all negative practices that would affect the performance of the business environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, commending the role of ADDED’s strategic partners across government, semi-government and private sectors in helping ADDED achieve its strategic goals of establishing a competitive business environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
“Some negative trends seen in the emirate are the results of wrong practices from some individuals and business owners who are unaware of the laws and regulations organizing business activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” said Al Mansouri.
The Acting Undersecretary noted that during the month of Ramadan, the ADDED conducts inspection visits to vegetable and fruit markets, livestock markets and other outlets across the three regions of the emirate in coordination with the Ministry of Economy. The ADDED also distributes pamphlets to raise consumer awareness in this holy month as part of its annual plans that aims to combat commercial fraud and prevent monopoly of commodities usually wanted during Ramadan.
He called on the public in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to reject such practices by immediately reporting any violations to competent bodies, especially ADDED as it is responsible for the regulation of commercial activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in coordination with other stakeholders.