Ministry warns action against businesses that failed to display prices of goods

Economic Ministry, on Wednesday, warned that legal action will be taken against businesses that fail to clearly display the prices of goods offered for sale.

In a formal announcement, the Ministry stated that it had received numerous complaints concerning retail outlets and other business establishments failing to display prices in a manner that is clearly visible to consumers.

Under Article 16 of the Consumer Protection Act, businesses are prohibited from offering goods for sale without clearly informing consumers of their prices. The Act stipulates that a price is considered clearly displayed only when it is written, printed or attached directly to the product, or prominently displayed at the location where the goods are kept.

Accordingly, the Ministry urged all business owners to ensure that prices are displayed in compliance with the law.

Economic Ministry further stated that it will conduct inspections and monitoring exercises to ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements. It emphasized that enforcement measures will be taken against businesses found to be operating in violation of the regulations.

Under Article 66 of the same Act, the Ministry is authorized to impose fines or take other regulatory measures against parties found to have breached the law during the monitoring of goods and services.

Under this provision, a first offence carries a fine ranging from MVR 1,000 to MVR 100,000, along with a grace period to rectify the violation. For each subsequent offence, a fine ranging from MVR 1,500 to MVR 250,000 will be imposed, with an additional deadline provided for compliance.

If the violation continues following these measures, the Ministry may impose a fine ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 250,000 and order the temporary closure of the establishment for a period of up to six months.