Wednesday 16 April 2025
The Consumer Protection Authority, represented by the Directorate General of Studies and Development, Department of Studies and Market Research, has launched the initiative "Your Contract Protects You", with the aim of regulating the contractual relationship between the consumer and the provider in a manner that aligns with the Consumer Protection Law, its executive regulations, and the relevant regulatory decisions. This ensures the protection of the rights of both the consumer and the provider, which will in turn help reduce violations, improve the business environment, and elevate it to the highest levels. It also aims to continuously develop all services provided to consumers and facilitate all existing procedures in the market, in which the contract is considered one of the most prominent elements. The second version of the initiative focuses on all sectors and commercial transactions.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the competencies of the Consumer Protection Authority regarding invoices, contracts, and the procedures followed, as well as to achieve justice and transparency in contracts. It also aims to provide greater protection for consumers and contracting parties and to enhance the legal and knowledge awareness of both providers and consumers from various segments of society in relation to the Consumer Protection Law and its executive regulations. The initiative also aims to establish commercial dealings based on principles that safeguard the rights of all parties, organize markets through contractual invoices free from unfair terms, in addition to reducing legal violations and improving the business environment, thereby elevating it to higher standards.
The initiative is accompanied by several activities, including the launch of an educational awareness team in markets across the Sultanate, to inform both providers and consumers of their rights during and after commercial transactions, and to ensure consumer safety in Oman’s markets. Furthermore, it will involve identifying problems faced by both consumers and providers, offering solutions to them, reducing the number of complaints and issues that may arise, and improving the quality of awareness programs provided by the Authority. Awareness messages will also be published through media outlets and the Authority’s social media platforms.
The initiative is expected to achieve several goals, including raising the efficiency of services provided to consumers across all sectors and transactions, and achieving its intended results in organizing and filtering the market from negative practices. These efforts will contribute to enhancing the business environment and services in the Sultanate of Oman, developing field legislation and procedures, reducing complaints and reports, and avoiding violations and financial penalties by raising institutional awareness of the regulations and requirements of the Consumer Protection Authority, which providers and business owners must comply with.
It is worth noting that the initiative is based on essential foundations, including the realization of Oman Vision 2040, as well as international, regional, and Arab experiences, drawing upon the Consumer Protection Law.