Thursday 14 / November / 2024
Muscat: A fine of OMR 3,000 has been imposed on a number of expatriates for distributing and trading chewed tobacco that is prohibited from being circulated in Oman.
The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) said: "The Consumer Protection Department in the South Sharqiyah Governorate in Sur was able to seize a group of expatriates in possession of quantities of chewed, non-smoked tobacco, and fines totalling OMR 3,000 were imposed on them."
This comes within the framework of the efforts made by the Consumer Protection Authority to curb abuses committed by some suppliers and combat the spread of unauthorised commodities that have a negative impact on the health of the individual and society.
The three arrested violated Resolution No. (301/2016) regarding the ban on the circulation of chewing (non-smoking) tobacco, which states: “Without prejudice to the penal penalties stipulated in the aforementioned Consumer Protection Law, anyone who violates the provisions of this decision shall be punished with an administrative fine of (OMR 1,000). The fine shall be doubled in case of repetition of the violation. In the event that this violation continues, an administrative fine of OMR 50 is imposed for each day the violation continues, provided that the total does not exceed OMR 2000.”
Based on this, a fine was imposed. Along with an administrative fee of OMR 1,000 for each of the three violating expatriates.
The authority, represented by its various directorates and departments, affirms that it will harness its efforts in following up and monitoring the markets and controlling everything that may harm the health and safety of consumers. It will also work to take all legal measures against violators. The Authority calls on consumers to report any violations they may notice through the various communication channels of the authority.
