Rogue traders could face harsher punishments despite the government urging legislators to rethink the move because it believes current laws are tough enough.
The Shura Council’s financial and economic affairs committee has recommended the go-ahead for amendments to the 2012 Consumer Protection Law.
It was originally presented by the Shura Council last year and approved by MPs earlier this month.
The law, if approved, would see offenders handed no less than a month in jail, or fined between BD5,000 and BD20,000, or both for selling, possessing or promoting counterfeit or tampered items.
For those found guilty of hoarding and hiding such goods, the punishment would be a fine of between BD1,000 and BD10,000. Violating outlets would see their business suspended for up to three months and all items, equipment and goods confiscated.
If an offence is repeated within three years, the outlet would be closed for six months or its commercial permit terminated.
Anyone found preventing inspectors from doing their work would also face fines of between BD1,000 and BD10,000.
The government had asked legislators to reconsider their stand saying the current law continued to achieve its intended purpose in punishing offenders.
“The legislation aims to provide more consumer protection to combat improper conduct by traders - whether it is hoarding, stocking, hiding or raising prices unrealistically,” said committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati.
“We are trying to combat serious offences and not regular mistakes that could be handled through normal inspection procedures.”
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