Renew your trade license, or else you could be in deep trouble.

Stepping up its inspection campaign across the emirate, the department of economic development in Ras Al Khaimah has detected 2,066 trade violations in the first quarter of this year.

As many as 16,000 inspections were carried out in the first three months of the year, according to Faisal Alyoon, acting manager of control and trade protection department. "These visits are 5.6percent more as compared to the inspections done over the same period last year."

Even though up to 2,066 breaches were reported, these are 8percent lower than those recorded in the first quarter of 2016, he added.

"Failure to renew license topped the violations unearthed," he stated. "Up to 1,289 failed to renew their license while 250 institutions failed to prove their head offices."

Failing to follow the prescribed rules and practicing trade activities without being licensed were among the other violations reported, Alyoon disclosed.

"The department runs inspection campaigns on a regular basis to ensure that all departments comply with the set rules, and clamp down on any negative practices, mainly commercial fraud."

He said that inspections will be intensified further. "More inspectors will be deployed to monitor the activities of all institutions across the emirate, particularly those in the remote and busy areas."

"We will also continue our campaigns to develop trade awareness of all shop- keepers and business-owners and make them aware about the rules and regulations."

The department has launched seven awareness campaigns this year so far, he pointed out. "These were meant to sensitize the institution owners about their rights and duties, and enlighten the consumer about the guidelines and way to submit their complaints .

Source: Khaleej Times