Tribune News Network
Doha
Shopping malls and merchants face a fine of QR1 million or a potential ban on doing business in Qatar if they promote obscene or offensive marketing literature or products, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has said.
Display of goods or materials containing images, visuals or audio clips that violate Islamic values, public morals or Qatari traditions and customs constitutes a violation of the country’s consumer protection law, the ministry said.
The fourth clause of Article 2 on Law No 8 of 2008 calls for the protection of consumers from having their religious sentiments hurt.
The ministry called on traders to coordinate with their suppliers to ensure that goods that are to be sold in Qatar do not contain — or promote — logos, designs, symbols or expressions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam.
They are also required to refrain from displaying on the storefronts any goods that might violate “public morals and Qatari traditions”.
Use of unsuitable packaging materials or promotional content that might hold symbols or phrases with immoral connotations that affect the religious and cultural values of the community is also prohibited. Images, audio clips, visuals or other materials with immoral content that violate public morals are also banned.
The ministry warned that negligence would lead to a fine of up to QR1 million, the cancellation of the commercial license, banning the violator from practising any commercial activity or administrative closure for three months.
MoCI called upon consumers to report any goods bearing logos or designs contrary to customs and traditions and to specify their locations so that the ministry’s inspectors can take necessary measures.
