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12/26/2017 Dubai retailers fined for adding VAT to prices ahead of roll-out - The National

Dubai retailers fined for adding VAT to

prices ahead of roll-out

Consumers are urged to contact authorities with concerns and inquiries

Nawal Al Ramahi
December 25, 2017
Updated: December 26, 2017 04:47 AM

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Eleven retailers in Dubai have been fined for hiking prices illegally before the
roll-out of value added tax (VAT) on January 1. Marwan Naamani / AFP.

Eleven retailers in Dubai have been fined for hiking

prices illegally before the roll-out of value added tax
(VAT) on January 1.

“Inspectors from the consumer protection department

conducted intensive inspections on shops across the
emirate and fined 11 retailers. Those who received

fines were exploiting the newly introduced tax,” said
Ahmed Al Zaabi, senior manager of consumer

awareness at the Department of Economic
Development.

Inspectors visited sale points, shopping centres and

grocery stores across Dubai.

Mr Al Zaabi warned retailers against exploiting the 5
per cent tax and warned that those in breach of tax

regulations will be hit with hefty fines.

The ministry of finance has said fines will range from

Dh500 to Dh15 000.

“We received complaints from customers about shops
increasing the prices of products and we investigated

the matter," he said. Adding that despite consumer
complaints about six particular shops, they were found

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