UAE tightens anti-fraud rules, sets 24-hour deadline to withdraw fake goods

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has outlined new regulations aimed at strengthening the fight against commercial fraud, protecting consumers and improving market oversight.

Under the Executive Regulations of the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, suppliers must immediately stop selling or displaying adulterated, spoiled or counterfeit goods and withdraw them from markets and warehouses within 24 hours of being notified by the Ministry or the relevant authority.

Suppliers must also notify all points of sale and businesses that received the violating goods and ensure they are withdrawn within the same 24-hour period.

A public announcement about the withdrawal must be issued within 48 hours, in both Arabic and English.

The withdrawal period can be shortened if the goods pose a risk to human or animal health or safety, or to the environment.

The regulations were discussed during a media briefing held by the Ministry in Dubai to explain the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2023 on Anti-Commercial Fraud, issued under Cabinet Decision No. 107 of 2026.

Safeya Al Safi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry, said the regulations represent another step in strengthening market oversight and keeping pace with changing forms of trade, including e-commerce.

More than 10,000 inspections carried out

The Ministry, working with local economic and supervisory authorities, conducted 10,023 inspection campaigns related to commercial fraud during the first quarter of 2026, detecting 189 violations.

The new regulations establish procedures for inspections, the detection of violations and the handling of adulterated or counterfeit goods.

They also set rules for the custody, destruction and recycling of seized products, as well as data sharing between the relevant authorities.

Eligible goods may also be re-exported to their country of origin or the country from which they were exported, subject to the prescribed requirements and within 30 days.

Rules for objections and conciliation

The regulations also set out procedures for conciliation and objections.

A violator can object to a decision rejecting conciliation within seven working days, while the Ministry or relevant authority must decide on the objection within a maximum of 10 working days.

The Ministry said the regulations are not focused solely on penalties. They are also designed to encourage compliance, support businesses that follow the rules, strengthen confidence among investors and traders, and improve the competitiveness of UAE markets.

The measures form part of the UAE’s broader efforts to maintain safe, transparent and well-regulated markets while strengthening consumer protection and ensuring that businesses comply with commercial regulations.