The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) announced yesterday the issuance of Decision No 312 of 2018, which regulates the sale promotions of goods and services through advertising, prize draws, and gifts distribution.
The decision, issued by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, regulates sale of goods and services in terms of promotions through advertising, prize draws or sweep and win, and gifts distribution. The ministerial decision mainly stipulates that prizes and gifts should be new and unused, and prohibits the promotion of counterfeit and fraudulent goods or products that fail to conform with standard specifications.
The decision also requires the acquisition of licences, approvals, and documents from the concerned authority that prove the advantages and benefits of the goods and services to be advertised in the promotional campaign. It also prohibits increasing the prices or changing the specifications or weight of goods and services three months prior to, as well as during the licence period. A label shall also be placed on the goods or services covered by the promotion, showing the original prices compared to the prices during the promotion period.
Furthermore, a monthly report must be provided on the delivery of prizes from the start of the draw until the delivery of the last prize.
