Abu Dhabi - 984 pieces were confiscated during the same period last year.
Published: Sat 19 May 2018, 8:42 PM
Updated: Sat 19 May 2018, 10:57 PM
More than 13,000 fake items, including auto spare parts and cosmetic items, were seized during inspections held across the UAE Capital in the first three months of the year, according to officials.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) has carried out 420 inspections which included 235 in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain (75) and Al Dhafra (110). According to the DED's Commercial Protection Report (CPR), 13,286 fake items were seized in first three months of this year, 984 pieces were confiscated during the same period last year.
The report noted the Abu Dhabi Business Centre has conducted 44,440 inspections and control visits this year - 22,277 in Abu Dhabi, 15,096 in Al Ain and 7,094 in Al Dhafra. Last year, the centre had carried out 39, 404 visits.
The business centre has issued 2,516 tickets, spanning 1,546 tickets in Abu Dhabi, 827 in Al Ain and 143 in Al Dhafra, compared to 1,794 tickets during the same quarter of 2017.
VAT brings 94% rise in consumer complaints
Significantly, non-compliance of VAT regulation by owners of commercial establishments has led to rise in number of complaints by 94 per cent in the first three months of the year, according to officials.
Abu Dhabi Business Centre CEO Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri said that there has been a remarkable rise in number of complaints received from consumers and brand owners following the implementation of value added tax from January 1.
The commercial protection administration of the DED has received 979 complaints from the consumers and brand owners, compared to 504 registered in first quarter of 2017, according to the CPR.
"Implementation of VAT resulted in many complaints being reported regarding increase in prices. The DED handled these complaints in order to protect the consumers' rights and ensure proper implementation of the tax law."
Al Mansouri said urged the public to assist the DED in its efforts to combat illegal practices.
"The DED encourages people to immediately report any violations to the concerned authorities and the DED, since it is the body in charge of regulating commercial activities in the Emirate in coordination and cooperation with the concerned bodies," he said.
He added that the DED is working on implementing several strategic projects in the field of commercial protection
ashwani@khaleejtimems.com
Ashwani Kumar
Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.
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