Ajman commercial consumer complaints come down

ALKESH SHARMA / Emirates Business

Sustainable efforts of Ajman Emirate to sensitise merchants and end-consumers on their accountabilities and privileges have yielded positive outcomes. The field visits, exhibitions and educational events, have reflected fruitfully in the latest statistics issued by the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Division (CCCPD)
of the Ajman’s Department of Economic Development (DED).
Thanks to its initiatives, CCCPD has
witnessed a significant dip in the number of complaints it received in 2015. As per latest data, the CCCPD had received 836 consumer protection complaints in 2015 as compared to 982 complaints that were registered in 2014.
“The department is keen to address all complaints it receives as soon as possible, as we seek to promote transparency and facilitate the relationship between the merchant and the consumer. We are building on the strategy that is aimed at adopting best practices and quality systems, and developing government performance,” Said HE Ali Issa Al Nuaimi, Director General of the DED Ajman. “We are working relentlessly to highlight and raise awareness about consumer rights, in order to enhance sustainable development in Ajman and provide the ideal environment to attract investments,” pointed out Al Nuaimi.
Complaints from the trade brands have also come down. CCCPD recorded 65 trade complaints from 190 brands during 2015, whereas there were 80 commercial complaints in 2014.
In a bid to curtail commercial fraud complaints, the division made many surprise inspection visits to unlicenced shops and warehouses and handled the violations within the framework of fighting commercial fraud.
However, 2015 saw an increase in the field visits of the officials. These were aimed at keep an eye on any kind of malpractice going on in the market. CCCPD made 37,680 field visits to retail outlets, shopping centers, shops, and markets in Ajman in 2015 while there were 30,886 field visits in 2014.
Besides, over 14 inspection campaigns were carried out in 2015 compared to 12 in 2014, which were done in collaboration with many strategic partners.
“As part of the CCCPD’s work plan aimed at eliminating negative phenomena that may undermine the reputation of economic activity in the emirate, the division stepped up its visits to violating economic establishments. Violation fees range from AED1000 up to AED100,000, and may result in the closure of the establishment until the conditions are settled,” stated Saud Sultan Al Shammari, director of the CCCPD.