New system for licensing sales and promotions

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has announced the improvement of a system to issue licences for discounts and promotional offers through its website. The services include the issuance, amendment and cancellation of licences for discounts, including liquidations and shopping festival discounts as well as the issuance, amendment and cancellation of licences for promotional offers, including those for special offers, prize draws, and swipe and win promotional offers.The launch of these services comes as part of the MEC’s efforts to continuously improve and develop its services in a bid to upgrade the Business Services System in Qatar and facilitate the delivery of services to its clients. According to the new system, the submission of applications and their review is conducted electronically to ensure service quality and that applications are completed at the scheduled time. The system will enable applicants to easily complete the procedures without visiting the ministry, and will save clients time and efforts.The MEC had earlier launched the “Shop with Confidence” initiative for announcing discounts and promotional offers in a bid to ensure transparency in commercial transactions and strengthen trust between suppliers and consumers, to the benefit of all parties.Through the adoption of the “Shop with Confidence” mark, the ministry aims to crack down on violations, as well as fake and unlicensed promotional offers. Consumers can call the ministry’s hotline on 16001 to submit complaints or inquire about shops that have obtained licenses to offer discounts and promotional offers. The contact centre also enables consumers to exercise their right to report violations concerning fake discounts and promotional offers.The ministry also noted that all suppliers should comply with applicable laws when offering and announcing discounts and promotional offers, whether inside shops and affiliated malls, on storefronts and through advertisements in newspapers or other media.The MEC earlier launched a number of smart electronic services designed to significantly improve the quality of services offered to clients including consumers, investors and members of the public with an interest in economic affairs.