What are my online shopping rights in UAE?

Online shopping is the new buying culture of this modern generation. It is not only convenient but also light on your pocket. With this evolutionary shopping practice, consumers are now able to shop from every corner of the world just by sitting in their homes. You can order medicine online, you can order a rare foreign fruit online, or simply do online stationery shopping in UAE and this is not only limited to buying products but also procuring services from any corner of the world are now possible. You are looking for a foreign language tutor you can find it online, you are looking for printing services online you simply have lots and lots of options to choose from. This is how versatile and gigantic the online shopping world is. Since online shopping has become such a common practice that is speedily growing every day, it becomes really important for the consumers to know their online shopping rights.

Here are some of the online shopping rights in UAE that you should be aware of for a smooth purchasing experience and online safety purposes-

The Return Policy-

Shoppers who shop online in Dubai can return the item within 7 days if something changes their mind. With the enforcement of new consumer protection regulations, online shoppers will have the right similar to the shoppers who shop offline.

"The return policy is rooted in all in-store transactions. What the Dubai authorities (Economic Development Bureau) are doing is to extend the reach to e-commerce space," said the president and CEO of Time Machine Group, Mr. Prakash J. Bhojwani who runs the Big Brands label.

"All the shopper needs to do is keep the original receipt to confirm the return.

"Almost every big store in Dubai has literature that articulates consumer rights. These are now being gradually reflected online."

Some of the larger e-commerce portals have higher costs associated with them, but they already offer robust return policies. However, many see it as a natural advancement in the local e-retail industry.

Vijay Samyani, Managing Director of the Concept Brands Group and owner of brandsbay.com said: "We've started printing return policies on online invoices. I think most other e-tailers are printing, even before the actual regulations come into force. "When consumers start believing that they have the same rights as shopping in-store, another favorable environment for online sales is created."

Refund Policy-

All UAE retailers, suppliers, or traders, including those sold online, are subject to national consumer protection legislation.

According to Article 24-5 of the 2006 Act, refunds are available for two events when goods are purchased from the UAE store: 

1) Discovery of defective products. 

2) The product provided had a different description than the one provided. 

3) Refunds shall be granted during the appropriate period in accordance with the law.

Reporting a complaint-

UAE consumers can contact the Department of Economic Development (DED) if online purchases are unsuccessful. "If the online company is based in Dubai, consumers can call the Ahlan Dubai number and file a complaint with the consumer protection team in DED's (CCCP) sector," said Mohammad Rashed Lootah, CEO of Dubai's DED Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector.  Lootah explained that Dubai is a global business hub, but the number of online and offline retailers is increasing with the number of online shoppers. To protect consumer rights, DED's consumer protection team consumes by managing different types of complaints, whether related to online products or products sold in stores. Complies with UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 on Consumer Protection. "The DED Consumer Protection Team has a mechanism for dealing with both online and offline complaints and focuses on working with consumers and traders for the amicable resolution of disputes," said Lootah.

Next time you shop from an online store make sure to check out their return and refund policies beforehand for a safe online purchase. Also, check out their terms and conditions and privacy policy pages before you make a purchase from any online store. 

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