Consumer Protection Department Takes Action Against 14 Businesses; Fines Imposed for Unfair Trade Practices

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has intensified its market monitoring, inspection, and enforcement activities in recent days, taking action against 14 industries and business firms for violating consumer rights and engaging in unfair trade practices. The department conducted surprise inspections in various locations of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and imposed fines on businesses found operating outside legal standards.

According to the department, Halesi Mart Pvt. Ltd. located in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, has been fined Rs 200,000, whereas Om Shivashakti Ceramic Pvt. Ltd., also in the same area, has been fined Rs 50,000. These firms were penalized under Sections 16 and 38 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, and action was taken according to Section 39(1) of the same Act.

During the monitoring, authorities found discrepancies in several areas, including product quality, quantity, pricing, measurement, packaging, and sales practices. Such misconduct falls under "unfair commercial and business activities" as defined by the Consumer Protection Act. These violations directly affect consumer welfare, prompting the department to impose immediate penalties.

Section 39 of the Consumer Protection Act empowers inspection officers to impose fines ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 if evidence of wrongdoing is found during inspection, search, or inquiry. The department stated that this legal tool enables swift enforcement and has been crucial in identifying and penalizing businesses engaged in unethical trade behavior.

As part of the same enforcement drive, the department fined Home Made Spices & Tea Supply of Chhetrapati, Kathmandu Rs 20,000; GKSS Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. of Gattaghar Rs 10,000; and Ashish Trade Link of Chhetrapati Rs 10,000. These enterprises were found violating pricing rules, failing to maintain proper records, or providing misleading product information.

Additionally, IK Surgical Suppliers of Chhetrapati has been fined Rs 55,000 and ordered to appear before the department within 24 hours. Likewise, City Mineral Water & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., located in Tokha-8, Kathmandu, has been instructed to appear with its business documents within three days. These actions were taken after serious irregularities were detected during inspection.

The department reported that seven other businesses were issued general warnings and instructed to correct their practices immediately. Officials emphasized that ongoing monitoring efforts aim to safeguard consumers from exploitation, prevent adulteration, control price manipulation, and ensure quality standards in essential goods and services.

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has committed to continuing strict inspection and action campaigns to uphold consumer rights and maintain fair market practices across the country.