Sharjah 24: Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) organised “Distinguishing between Original & Counterfeit Products” workshop, with the participation of 27 Commercial Officers from the Department.

Organised in cooperation with the Global Group for Legal Consultants, the workshop aimed to provide training and qualification for Commercial Officers to improve their skills according to the latest data aimed at detecting counterfeit products and distinguishing between the original and the counterfeit.

The workshop was also organised to combat the risks and reduce impact of counterfeit products on consumers. Likely, it sought to protect economic and commercial establishments and brand owners from companies and institutions from fraud and counterfeiting attempts.

Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at SEDD, said that commercial fraud reached high levels in terms of imitation of the original product. He added that it is difficult for non-specialists to detect this forgery and imitation, which calls for paying great responsibilities for training and qualifying employees to ensure the safety of the UAE markets.

Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi stressed that SEDD is committed to working with merchants and consumers to find a fair relationship between both parties. He also indicated that the Department communicates, educates and informs consumers of their rights. Raising awareness is implemented through platforms, websites and continuous field tours, in addition to communicating with the merchants themselves and making them aware of their rights and duties.

Al Suwaidi further added that the role of SEDD is not limited to protecting consumers and investors only, but also goes beyond that to familiarise traders with the systems and procedures adopted to avoid disputes or complaints, and even implement control campaigns to ensure the safety of all economic practices in the UAE markets. Al Suwaidi pointed out that the complaints level during the last period of this year reflects the extent of consumers' response to awareness campaigns and initiatives that are organised on a continuous and varied basis.

SEDD calls the public to communicate in the event of facing any violation through Sharjah Call Center 80080000 or by visiting the consumer protection website www.shjconsumer.ae.