The UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. 15 of 2020) sets out the rights of UAE consumers and the obligations of businesses selling to them. Here is a complete compliance guide for businesses.
UAE Consumer Protection: Core Principles
The UAE Consumer Protection Law protects consumers’ rights to: accurate and honest information about products and services, fair pricing (no price gouging or misleading promotions), safe products (no defective goods causing injury), effective redress for defective products or services, and privacy of personal consumer data. Enforcement: Ministry of Economy Consumer Protection Department and the local emirate consumer protection departments (Dubai Consumer Court, Abu Dhabi Consumer Centre). Penalty for violations: fines up to AED 1 million for serious violations.
Mandatory Disclosures for UAE Businesses
UAE businesses must provide to consumers: clear pricing (total price including VAT, delivery charges — no hidden fees), product origin and specifications (accurate descriptions), warranty terms (required by law for electronics, appliances, motor vehicles), return and refund policy (must be clearly stated), and business identification (trade licence number and address on website and invoices). E-commerce specific: the Consumer Protection Law has specific e-commerce provisions requiring: the right to cancel online orders within 7 days of delivery (cooling-off period), immediate order confirmation, and protection against fraudulent transactions.
Product Warranty Requirements
UAE Consumer Protection Law mandates minimum warranty periods: electronics and electrical appliances: minimum 1 year warranty. Motor vehicles: manufacturer’s warranty must be honoured in the UAE. For seller-branded or private-label products: UAE law requires fitness for purpose, which implies a reasonable warranty period even if not explicitly stated. Extended warranty: sellers may offer extended warranty products (and this is regulated — any paid extended warranty must be fully honoured).