Counterfeit goods ban enforced; dealers face up to Dh1m fine and two years jail

The UAE has strengthened its fight against commercial fraud through Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2023 on Combating Commercial Fraud, which sets out strict penalties for those involved in the production, sale or distribution of counterfeit and unsafe goods. Under Article 4, it is prohibited to import, manufacture, produce, offer, sell, store, transport, trade, promote or possess counterfeit, adulterated or spoiled goods. The law defines several acts as commercial fraud, including importing counterfeit or adulterated products or materials intended for their manufacture, with the intent to commit fraud. It also criminalises dealing in counterfeit goods while knowing their true nature, misleading consumers about a product's type, quantity, origin or validity, and advertising or selling products using false or deceptive information. Article 17 states that offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years, fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh1 million, or both. Residents who encounter suspicious products or misleading advertisements are encouraged to report them to the relevant authorities.