Egypt's new Consumer Protection Law: 10 rights you have!

The new consumer protection law, ratified on Sunday by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, will take effect in three months time. Once implemented, consumers will benefit from a range of new rights.

Here are 10 advantages of the new law.

1) Protecting the consumer’s right of choice and honest advertising

Through strict penalties against companies or merchants who violate regulations, the new law criminalizes the monopoly of any product or market and false and/or misleading advertisements in any format, with a fine of up to EGP two million per violation.

2) Clear Arabic in all communications

Suppliers are now legally obligated to ensure that all forms of communication between them and consumers are in a clear, easy to read font in Arabic. In addition, they may communicate in up to two other languages, if they prefer. The law also details that specific supplier information (address, contact details, trademark) must be included on the product.

3) Easy to read product information, including after tax price

In an effort to combat current issues related to lack of information, especially in food products, the law requires suppliers to show all core information of the product, while abiding by the rules of clarity detailed above. The seller is also legally bound to disclose a clearly stated price with tax included and to adhere to clarity and language rules, while providing receipts for any transaction.