SEDD seizes 20,000 Face Masks in Sharjah

Sharjah Economic Development Department “SEDD”, in cooperation with Sharjah City Municipality, seized more than 20,000 face masks that was sold by unauthorized merchant which amounted to approximately 28,000 dirhams. The merchant worked by communicating with buyers through social media channels to sell the face masks which forced SEDD to seize the product and hand over the seller to the Municipality to hold him accountable as it is the one responsible for dealing with hawkers.

SEDD announced that after research and investigation procedures, it was found that the trader obtained these masks from an establishment that is not authorized to sell the product. This resulted in having an immediate closure of the facility by SEDD, violate and fine it, confiscate the goods, and take it for inspection to ensure its safety and quality. Likely, the Department noted that after checking face masks safety and quality, it will be donated to charities.

In addition, SEDD emphasized that this step is a continuation of its inspection campaigns on the markets to limit monopoly procedures, commercial fraud and to ensure protection of consumers. Also, it illustrated that it is continuing its campaigns in various regions of the Emirate of Sharjah to ensure commercial commitment, especially in such exceptional circumstances, to stop violation of laws and regulations.

Commenting on that, Salim Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at SEDD, said that the Commercial Officers in the Department are working around the clock to address any attempts to commercial fraud and exploit the current challenges to harm the markets and consumers and affect negatively on the national economy. He stressed that SEDD will not tolerate with these practices according and will take the necessary actions against them, whereby community health and safety as well as consumer protection are among the Department’s priorities.

Furthermore, Salim Al Suwaidi pointed out that SEDD Commercial Officers will continue to monitor markets at all levels and regions. Likely, he stressed the Department will stop illegal trade practices, especially in light of the current situation and during the process of national sterilization.
He also called the public to refer to SEDD in case of facing any violation practices by calling its various channels such as the Call Center 80080000, the social media account Sharjaheconomic, and the consumer protection website www.shjconsumer.ae.