Bahrain approves new consumer protection law

Bahrain is to introduce a new consumer protection law this year, giving authorities the right to inspect retailers’ products, Gulf Daily News has reported. The new rules, approved by the Shura Council, will allow the Industry and Commerce Ministry to assign inspectors to check shops and businesses on a regular basis and scrutinise their existing products. Inspectors with judiciary authorities will have the right to take action where businesses have violated the laws, but they will need to provide substantial evidence. Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Ministry will also get the right to assign inspectors to check documents provided by merchants on new products to be introduced in the market.