Dh100,000 fine for credit card surcharge

Ministry of Economy decided to impose fines up to Dh100,000 on commercial facilities and outlets that impose a surcharge on consumers using credit cards, reported 'Emarat Al Youm' newspaper.

“The decision is in line with the new amendments to the Consumer Protection Act approved by the Council of Ministers,” said Dr Hachim Al Nuaimi, Director, Department of Consumer Protection, MoE.

He was speaking at a meeting with representatives of economic departments and local municipalities on Monday, which was convened to to implement decisions of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection.

The decision curently applies to purchases of goods by individuals; it will be extended to different kinds of services later, he added.

Al Nuaimi said commercial foundations and retail outlets charging extra on credit cards will be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh100,000, in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act as well as taking into account factors determining the value of the violation and the number of times the party has erred.

The meeting agreed to form working groups to discuss the mechanisms of implementation of the resolution and to increase customer awareness.

Al Nuaimi urged consumers to defend their rights and file complaints when they see violations of their rights.