Sunday 15 February 2026
Judicial enforcement officers at the General Directorate of Consumer Protection in North Al Batinah Governorate recently seized a commercial establishment specialized in the manufacture of household furniture for deceiving consumers by using deteriorated wood in the production of furniture and selling it to consumers as new. This action comes within the framework of ongoing market monitoring efforts, combating unlawful and harmful practices against consumers, curbing violations committed by certain suppliers, and preventing the circulation of goods not authorized for trading, with the aim of protecting consumers and ensuring health and safety when purchasing goods and receiving services.
The details of the seizure date back to the Directorate’s receipt of reliable information indicating that an establishment operating in the furniture manufacturing sector was using used foam, second-hand fabric pieces, deteriorated and worn-out wood, scrap materials, and waste unfit for use or recycling. Accordingly, a work team was formed to conduct preliminary investigation and monitoring of the suspected site. After confirming that the workforce was engaged in manufacturing and upholstery activities using such materials at a concealed location that was not licensed by the competent authorities and following the completion of the legal procedures and the issuance of a search warrant by the Public Prosecution, the site was raided and the violation was seized. The seizure resulted in the confiscation of (14) ready-made chairs containing used wood, approximately (500) kilograms of damaged wood prepared for use in manufacturing, (9) wardrobes ready for sale made of used wood, in addition to a quantity of worn-out foam unfit for use. It was also found that the workforce had been engaging in this activity for some time by collecting used furniture from various locations and re-manufacturing it through unlawful means.
Immediately thereafter, the competent teams secured the seized items and took the legally prescribed measures, as the establishment was found to be in violation of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law, namely Article (3), which stipulates that “the practice of activities without fulfilling health and safety requirements and obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities is prohibited,” and Article (7) of the same Law, which stipulates that “the circulation of any adulterated, spoiled, counterfeit, or unauthorized goods is prohibited, and the advertising thereof is likewise prohibited,” as well as Article (22) of the same Law. Accordingly, the seized items were confiscated, and legal procedures are currently being taken against the violators.
The Authority affirms that it will continue to monitor and oversee markets across the Sultanate of Oman to ensure they are free from commercial fraud and to curb negative practices that harm consumers’ rights and safety. It also calls upon all members of the public to cooperate by reporting such practices immediately upon detection, with the aim of achieving a safe and healthy market.