The UAE has introduced strengthened anti-commercial fraud regulations designed to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses and reinforce confidence in the country’s markets. Under the new Executive Regulations of the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, suppliers must immediately stop selling or displaying counterfeit, adulterated or spoiled products once officially notified and withdraw them from markets and warehouses within 24 hours.
The regulations also require suppliers to notify businesses and points of sale that received affected products. A public announcement about the withdrawal must generally be issued within 48 hours in both Arabic and English, while authorities can require faster action when products could pose risks to health, safety or the environment.
The new framework covers a wide range of businesses, including traditional retailers and e-commerce operations. It also establishes clear procedures for the seizure, storage, destruction, recycling or re-export of violating products, creating a more coordinated approach to market oversight.
The UAE’s commitment to stronger commercial standards is supported by increased inspections and modern monitoring tools. During the first quarter of 2026, authorities conducted 10,023 commercial-fraud inspection tours and identified 189 violations.
Rather than simply focusing on penalties, the regulations aim to build a culture of compliance and strengthen trust among consumers, investors and responsible traders. By acting quickly against counterfeit products and improving oversight across physical and digital marketplaces, the UAE is reinforcing its reputation for safe, transparent and competitive commerce.
The measures represent another step toward creating a stronger business environment where consumers can shop with greater confidence and legitimate companies can compete on a fairer playing field.
