In an effort to ensure the safety and authenticity of products sold online in the UAE, leading e-commerce platforms have signed a Compliance Pledge with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Eleven major companies, including Amazon, Noon, Sharaf DG, Eros, Nikai, and Samsung, have committed to tightening inspections of products, particularly those sold by third-party sellers, to guarantee consumer safety. This initiative aims to address concerns regarding the quality and legitimacy of products available online.
Nilesh Khalkho, CEO of Sharaf DG, highlighted the importance of verifying third-party sellers and ensuring that they are selling genuine and authorized products. He emphasized the need for e-commerce players to implement checks and balances to prevent the sale of counterfeit or unsafe items. Khalkho also mentioned the role of Esma (Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology) certificates in verifying the authenticity of products listed on platforms.
The UAE’s e-commerce market has seen significant growth, with projections indicating a rise from $5 billion in 2021 to $9 billion by 2026. This growth presents opportunities for operators to ensure that products sold online meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. By signing the Compliance Pledge, e-commerce companies are committing to upholding these standards and providing customers with safe and reliable products.
Omar Ahmed Suwaina Al Suwaidi, undersecretary of MoIAT, emphasized the importance of operators in guaranteeing the safety and compliance of products in the market. He noted that the voluntary nature of this initiative will instill confidence in consumers and improve the overall quality of online shopping experiences. The ministry works closely with the private sector to develop regulations that take into account feedback and industry best practices.
Paras Shahdadpuri, chairman of Nikai Group of Companies, praised the Compliance Pledge for increasing the reliability and trustworthiness of UAE’s e-commerce platforms. By ensuring that products sold online are safe, reliable, and original, consumers can make informed decisions and shop with confidence. Shahdadpuri emphasized the need for responsible behavior and adherence to regulations to uphold consumer trust and foster a culture of self-regulation within the e-commerce industry.
