Skip to main content

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism implements control campaigns on gold and jewelry markets

09-06-2022

To preserve Bahraini gold reputation and to consolidate the principle of sustainability in the development of Bahrain's gold and jewelry industry, MOIC is keen on providing secure market in the gold industry by imposing regulations and organizing awareness and regulatory campaigns.  

Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ashraf, Assistant Undersecretary for Control and Resources, stressed in a statement on MOIC's keenness to preserve the reputation and gains of Bahrain's gold trade in the local and Gulf market, given its unique designs and high quality that adapts to international gold standards. Elaborating that the Inspection Department poses control over gold and jewelry markets through systematic inspection campaigns or periodic inspections, to ensure their compliance to laws and decisions governing this activity. In this regard, a number of irregularities have been detected recently regarding offering unstamped precious metals items, therefore these items have been seized, all applicable legal procedures were taken and violators were referred to the Public Prosecution.

 

Mr. Al-Ashraf clarified that gold and jewelry control campaigns are constantly ongoing to ensure that gold and jewelry items are stamped with the Bahraini label, as precious metals may only be sold or displayed after being stamped according to the provisions of Decree No. 6 of 1990 with respect to control of precious metals. Moreover, the customer should be granted purchase invoice with basic data of the jewelry such as weight, caliber, price and thus. The assistant undersecretary also stated that the ministry warns the public not to deal with unlicensed gold shops carrying out business through social media, as the ministry is taking disciplinary measures in this regard in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) where specialists summon violators to follow procedures and refer them to the Public Prosecution.

In regard to the inspection campaign performed in a shopping center in the capital governorate, Mr. Al-Ashraf revealed that illegal acts had been detected related to selling unstamped precious metals, and that these items had been confiscated for legal proceedings. He added that the inspection department will continue its control campaigns on this sector to preserve Bahraini gold reputation and customer rights, especially with the recent prominent growth and increased demand the gold sector witnessed in the past two years and various means and techniques of selling and delivering it.  

In conclusion, the Assistant Undersecretary emphasized on the important role of consumers to ensure purchasing stamped gold goods that carry the Bahraini label and to request a purchase invoice to preserve their rights. Reminding them that the Ministry receives complaints and reports of violations and unauthorized practices in various sectors via contacting Inspection, or Consumer Protection Services, or through The National Suggestion & Complaint system “Tawasul".

Or by contacting:

Hotline: 80008001

WhatsApp: 1711122