Oman's consumer protection body reimbursed OMR2m to the public

Muscat: Oman’s consumer protection body clawed back almost OMR2 million for consumers in 2015, according to a report.
According to the Public Authority for Consumer Protections (PACP) Annual Report for 2015, OMR1,982,149.02 has been reimbursed to consumers as ordered by court for violating the consumer protection law.
A total of 1,849 cases have been registered where 621 were ruled in favour of the consumer. 546 cases were awarded for punitive (exemplary) damages while 421 cases are under judicial holding, according to the report.
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PACP received OMR379,150 in fines as a result of consumer protection law violations.
PACP registered 12,841 complaints in 2015 compared to 13,933 in 2014 followed by 6,174 reports last year and 6,141 violations committed. The Authority also seized 440,823 products last year compared 1,415,144 products the year before that.
Complaints about car dealerships and services registered with PACP at 3,149, while 1,685 was registered for electrical and electronic products.
PACP also received 1,371 complaints regarding phones and services and 1,162 for contracting and building materials. 1,141 complaints were registered for aluminum workshops, blacksmithing and carpentry workshops.
PACP received most reports on food products with 1,753 followed by other miscellaneous products with 1,276. Barbershops, beauty salons and their services registered 620 complaints in 2015. 588 restaurants and cafes were reported to the PACP as well as 384 miscellaneous services.
1,575 violations were registered for failure to add prices on products and services, which tops the list followed by 1,174 for increasing prices without PACP’s approval. 1,146 violations were recorded for miscellaneous activities and 551 for the sale of expired products. 252 violations were registered for failing to add product information and for food safety.
The PACP seized 210,760 food products in 2015 followed by 100,782 chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products. 59,924 counterfeit cigarettes were also seized by PACP along with 22,519 beauty and personal hygiene products. 16,818 medical herb products were also confiscated during the period.