Purchase only hallmarked gold, warns Bahrain official

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Customers should demand invoices on every gold purchase they make in Bahrain and turn away from unlicensed shops operating out of social media platforms, said a top Bahraini official.

Abdulaziz Al-Ashraf, the Assistant Undersecretary for Control and Resources, also called on the public to purchase precious metal artefacts that satisfy Bahraini hallmarking standards.

He said this during an inspection campaign held at a commercial complex in the Capital governorate, where they found several unmarked gold items.

“We seized all illegal items and are pursuing legal action against such stores.” He stressed that Bahraini jewellery enjoys unique designs and high quality, meeting internationally approved gold carat standards.

“These campaigns would ensure a safe shopping experience for customers in the Kingdom.” “We are keen on preserving the gains made by the Bahraini gold trade in the local and Gulf market by activating laws and implementing awareness and control campaigns,” he added.

The Inspection Department, he said, monitors gold and jewellery stores through systematic and periodic inspection campaigns to regulate the sector.

“We are holding campaigns to ensure that the gold carries distinctive Bahraini marking, as it is not permissible to sell or display precious metal artefacts without hallmarking as per Decree-Law No. (6) of 1990,” he said.

“Customers should also be given a purchase invoice with the data of the jewel, such as weight, calibre, price, and others.” He also warned the general public not to purchase gold from unlicenced gold shops through social media.

“The ministry warns the public against dealing with unlicensed gold shops Which carry out their commercial activity through social media only.” He also said that the ministry is working to take measures against such shops in coordination with the Cybercrime department.

The public can contact the authority to report violations through the National Complaints and Suggestion system Tawasul or on WhatsApp at 80008001.

According to a recent report, Bahrain has hallmarked more than 9.9 tonnes of precious metals and jewellery, which is 60% higher than reported a year ago. The report also said that the total number of jewellery tested exceeded a whooping 1,350,000 pieces.