JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia has initiated moves to ban companies and shops from resorting to the “Goods once sold cannot be taken back or exchanged” practice, saying that it violates consumers' rights. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has said all selling points, leaflets, advertisements, marketing tools and commercial publications will be banned from using the stipulation starting Nov. 15. Commercial companies, establishments and shops are required to take back all goods that have defects or that do not comply with standards and to give customers their money back, local media reports said Thursday. “Posting or publishing the claim that ‘Goods once sold cannot be taken back or exchanged' or similar expressions is not compatible with the right of consumers to good quality,” the ministry said. “All companies and selling points should remove the stipulation promptly to avoid punitive measures. Printing companies that agree to print the expression will also be held responsible,” the ministry said. As one of the largest markets in the region, Saudi Arabia has often been targeted by companies selling fake goods and cheap imitations that are below the required standards. Campaigns to educate consumers about their right to good quality have been launched in several areas and now the ministry seeks to join the fight to protect people's rights.
