consumer protection cases

consumer protection cases

Whether you bought a faulty product in Muscat or your business has received a notice from the Consumer Protection Authority, an experienced consumer protection lawyer in Oman can tell you where you stand before you act. Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants, based in Al Khuwair, Muscat, represents both consumers and businesses across Oman, drawing on over 20 years of experience.

When do you need a consumer protection lawyer?

Expatriates and foreign-owned businesses are often unfamiliar with how consumer disputes work in Oman. We typically help in situations such as:

  • A car, appliance or electronic device is defective and the seller or dealer refuses to repair, replace or refund it.
  • A warranty claim is ignored, or the same fault keeps returning after several repairs.
  • You relied on a misleading advertisement, promotion or discount, or were charged more than the displayed price.
  • A paid service, such as maintenance, travel, training or home works, was not delivered or was delivered poorly.
  • Your business has received a violation report or administrative fine from the Consumer Protection Authority, or goods have been seized.
  • Your company faces a commercial fraud allegation referred to the Public Prosecution.
  • You are entering the Omani retail market and want your warranty, returns and advertising practices reviewed before launch.

How we help

We follow consumer cases before the competent authorities and the courts through to judgment, under the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulation. Our work includes:

  • Reviewing your documents and advising on your rights and obligations under the Consumer Protection Law.
  • Preparing and following up complaints to the Consumer Protection Authority, and negotiating amicable settlements.
  • Filing claims for refunds and compensation, and handling defence, pleadings, written memoranda and oral argument through our judicial and legal representation service.
  • Defending businesses against violation reports and administrative fines, including grievances and challenges.
  • Defending companies and individuals in commercial fraud and misleading advertising cases before the Public Prosecution and criminal courts.
  • Consumer law compliance reviews of warranties, return policies, invoices, price labelling, advertising and standard terms, as part of our corporate services.
  • Following up the enforcement of judgments issued in the client's favour.

How we work with you

  1. First contact: send us a WhatsApp message or call, briefly describe the issue, and we arrange a meeting at our office or remotely.
  2. Document review: we examine invoices, contracts, correspondence and any violation report.
  3. Strategy: we recommend the most suitable route, whether negotiation, a complaint to the Authority, a grievance or court action.
  4. Action: we draft notices, complaints and pleadings, and represent you before the authorities and courts. Proceedings in Oman are conducted in Arabic, and we handle this for you.
  5. Follow-up: we keep you informed and follow up the enforcement of any decision or judgment.

Documents to prepare

  • The purchase invoice or payment receipt, and the warranty card.
  • Photos or videos of the defect, and any inspection or repair reports.
  • A copy or screenshot of the advertisement or offer.
  • Correspondence with the seller or dealer, and any complaint reference number.
  • For businesses: the violation report or fine decision, your commercial registration and your sales and warranty policies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Oman Consumer Protection Law?

Consumer rights in Oman are governed by the Consumer Protection Law issued by Royal Decree 66/2014, and by its Executive Regulation issued by Decision 77/2017, as amended. Together they set out consumer rights, supplier obligations, warranty and return rules, and the penalties for violations.

Can I get a refund or replacement for a defective product?

Generally yes. The law and its Executive Regulation give consumers the right to request repair, replacement or a refund for defective goods, within the periods and conditions set by the Regulation, which depend on the type of product and the warranty. Act promptly and keep proof of purchase.

How do I file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Authority?

Complaints are submitted through the Authority's official channels with the invoice and evidence of the defect or violation. We can prepare the complaint, follow it up and advise whether a court claim for compensation is also needed.

What are the penalties for commercial fraud in Oman?

Trading in counterfeit or adulterated goods and misleading advertising can lead to criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines, in addition to administrative fines for other violations. Businesses should seek legal advice as soon as they receive a violation report.

Can a business challenge a fine from the Authority?

Yes. A business can file a grievance or challenge within the procedures and time limits set by law. We review the report for procedural errors and whether the violation is actually proven.

Whether you are a consumer seeking redress or a business facing a violation, contact our Al Khuwair office in Muscat on WhatsApp or call +968 9200 0841 to discuss your case.