Ministry of Industry and Commerce Reports 186 Non-Compliant Product Import Violations in 2024
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
The Bahraini Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) has reported 186 violations related to the import of products that do not meet the Kingdom's approved technical regulations and standards in 2024.
Responding to an inquiry from Shura Council member Leena Kassim, the MOIC detailed its approach to handling these violations. It revealed that the Inspection and Metrology Directorate at the Ministry is responsible for monitoring compliance at Bahrain's borders and within the domestic market.
"The Directorate conducts thorough checks on imported goods to ensure they meet all requirements and carries out regular inspections of products already in circulation. The 186 violations reported represent a significant effort to maintain product quality and safety standards," it stressed
"When non-compliant products are identified, the Ministry investigates the suppliers and retailers involved. Non-compliant goods are seized, and retailers are mandated to remove the offending products from the market through re-exportation, destruction, or recycling.
Furthermore, retailers receive education on the risks and responsibilities associated with handling non-compliant products," the Ministry explained in its response, adding: " The MOIC employs a proactive strategy, launching public awareness campaigns whenever new technical regulations or requirements are implemented. These campaigns target both businesses and consumers, ensuring everyone is informed about the necessary procedures and standards for importing and selling products."
As per the response, the Ministry works collaboratively with several key stakeholders to ensure effective product oversight. This includes coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardisation Organisation (GSO) to issue conformity certificates and cooperation with other government entities like the Ministry of Works, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), and the Supreme Council for the Environment for licensing and regulatory matters. Close collaboration with customs officials ensures effective border control.
"The MOIC also actively participates in the GCC's rapid alert system ("Urgent") and recalls products deemed harmful to health and safety based on reports from manufacturers, the GSO, or other reliable sources," it concluded.
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