Tuesday 5 May 2026
The Consumer Protection Authority, represented by the General Directorate of Consumer Services and Market Surveillance, has launched a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting the sectors with the highest number of complaints and reports, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance compliance, safeguard consumer rights, and improve the quality of services and goods in the markets. The campaign aims to intensify regulatory oversight over establishments operating in these sectors, ensure their compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, address non-compliant practices that have contributed to the rise in complaint indicators, as well as enhance transparency and improve the quality of services provided to consumers.
Based on an analysis of data from the Complaints and Reports Registration System (Maidan/Himma) for the period from 1 January 2025 to 16 February 2026, the data indicated that the sectors with the highest number of complaints and reports included the goods and services sector, the vehicles and vehicle repair workshops sector, as well as the electrical and electronic appliances sector. These sectors are vital as they relate directly to consumers’ daily needs and constitute a priority within the Authority’s field inspection plans for the upcoming phase.
Accordingly, the Authority has developed an integrated timeline for the implementation of the inspection campaign, which commenced on 26 April and will continue until the end of July 2026, in accordance with a schedule covering priority activities and sectors. These include the vehicles and vehicle repair workshops sector; aluminium workshops, blacksmithing, building materials, and the sale and custom manufacturing of furniture and kitchens sector; the electrical and electronic appliances sector; the consumer goods sector (including food products, cosmetics, accessories, stationery, and others); in addition to the services sector, which includes salons, barbershops, cafés and restaurants, laundry and ironing shops, and tailoring shops.
In a statement, Dr. Ahmed Al Busaidi, Director General of the General Directorate of Consumer Services and Market Surveillance at the Authority, affirmed that the launch of this campaign is based on a precise analytical reading of complaint and report indicators, noting that “the Authority treats data as a strategic tool to direct its regulatory efforts towards the sectors with the greatest impact on consumers, thereby enhancing performance efficiency and achieving tangible results on the ground.”
He further explained that the campaign aims to enhance compliance with laws, reduce improper practices, and increase confidence in the markets, emphasizing that these efforts are consistent with the Authority’s mandate to protect consumer rights and safeguard their interests, and contribute to achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly with regard to enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, improving the business environment, and promoting quality of life.
Al Busaidi concluded by affirming that the Authority will continue to utilize analytical tools and field monitoring, and coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of oversight and the development of working mechanisms in line with the aspirations of the upcoming phase, and to strengthen a culture of compliance and responsibility across various economic sectors.