JEDDAH — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has told businesses they must take back or exchange goods that are faulty. It has banned traders from putting up notices or using adverts stating that goods once sold cannot be returned or exchanged. The ministry said businesses are obliged to take back any commodity that has a defect, does not conform to international specifications or cannot be repaired without compromising the quality of the product. The ministry said it would set a deadline of Nov. 15 for businesses to comply with its new directives. It added that it would also send inspectors to ensure traders were complying with the order after the deadline. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has told traders that according to commercial fraud rules, the consumer has the right to return goods that do not conform to international standards and obtain a refund from the seller. The consumer has the right to demand compensation for any damages he may have sustained. The ministry said shops that hang signs or issue receipts with the message that goods cannot be returned or exchanged are breaking trade rules. It added businesses who continue to print such messages would be penalized.
