DOHA: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched an initiative to regulate the activities of electronic auctions.
The aim is to organise the commercial process and monitor money transfer and circulation for this purpose.
The Ministry said in a statement this initiative comes within the framework of its role in supervision, control, and regulation of commercial activities and taking necessary measures to protect the consumer in terms of his right to obtain high-quality products.
This would combat commercial fraud and protect competition, as well as ensure speed in implementing procedures, It would also achieve the principle of integrity and transparency in everything related to auctions.
Conditions and controls
Conditions and controls necessary for electronic auction activities include submitting an application at the MoCI building in Lusail City to hold the auction. The application should be accompanied by a list of goods to be offered at the auction.
In the event of receiving MoCI approval to hold the auction, the Ministry must be provided a list of goods to be offered in the auction and the location of the goods no less than 24 hours before the event.
This is provided the location is a public place like a hotel, public hall, commercial store or office, among others.
Other obligations
The obligations also include the prohibition of direct cash payments, and allowing for payments using ATM cards and bank transfers.
There is also the need to adhere to consumer protection requirements and to provide the Ministry with a list of sold goods, their selling prices, and buyers’ data after the end of the auction.
All violations of commercial registration and licences can be reported through the call centre number – 16001 – or the Ministry’s social media accounts.