BD20,000 Consumer Fines

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s parliament is set to debate a draft amendment to the Consumer Protection Law that would introduce tougher penalties, including fines of up to BD20,000, business closures and suspension of commercial registrations.

The proposed changes, attached to Decree No. 18 of 2026 amending Law No. 35 of 2012, will be reviewed by MPs on Tuesday following a recommendation for approval in principle by the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. If approved, the amendments would grant the Minister of Industry and Commerce, or a delegated authority, expanded powers to take action against businesses violating consumer protection rules.

Measures could include shutting down establishments for up to three months, suspending commercial registrations for up to six months, striking businesses from the commercial register, or imposing administrative fines.

The draft also introduces daily fines aimed at ensuring compliance, capped at BD1,000 per day for a first violation and BD2,000 for repeat violations within three years, with total penalties not exceeding BD20,000.

In addition, the law would allow a standalone administrative fine of up to BD20,000. Authorities must consider the severity of the breach, financial gains, and harm caused when determining penalties.

Under the proposed framework, businesses would generally be given up to seven days to correct violations after receiving a warning, although immediate penalties could be imposed in urgent cases.

Closed businesses would be required to publicly display notices stating that the action was taken due to violations of consumer protection regulations, under rules to be set by ministerial decision.