MPs urge to allow only barcoded merchandise

Only barcoded commodities may be allowed to enter the country’s markets if a parliamentary proposal gets final approval.

Five MPs demanded that the government study their proposal to oblige importers to only trade in barcoded merchandise in Bahrain, as they said it will enhance regulating local markets.

“This would benefit producers, distributors and consumers alike. It will enhance storage, sales, accounting, transportation and anti-commercial fraud procedures,” said one of the proposal’s presenters MP Ghazi Al Rahma.

Al Rahma urged the government to seriously look into making the proposal obligatory in Bahrain, commenting that “many countries have banned trading in non-barcoded products and improved their national economies.”

He also mentioned other benefits of the proposal such as improving local products by obliging producers to add barcodes to their merchandises and meeting trade regulations of advanced countries and potential exporting markets.

“This will also contribute in protecting consumers, combatting customs tax evasion, enhance supervision of the market and provide a reliable economic database,” Al Rahma added.

The proposal was submitted to the Council’s Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Mulla, who will refer it to the concerned committee for more study.