CPA recovers over OMR7 million for consumers in 2025

Muscat: The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) today organised a media briefing in Muscat to review its key achievements during 2025, outline its ongoing work in the current phase, and present its future plans for the coming period.

Salim Ali Al Hakmani, Chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority, explained that the authority conducted approximately 303,776 inspection visits during 2025, covering 244,892 commercial establishments across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. These inspections aimed to detect violations, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and closely monitor market activity.

Al Hakmani stated that these efforts resulted in 6,014 recorded violations and the seizure of 84,410 non-compliant goods, reflecting the authority's extensive field presence and continuous market monitoring. He added that the authority strengthened its integrated work with relevant entities by carrying out over 319 joint campaigns covering 31 sectors and topics across different governorates, in addition to covering nearly 2,742 commercial establishments as part of joint efforts.

He further noted that the authority received 34,242 complaints and 6,568 reports through its various channels during the past year, successfully addressing 93% of reports within three days and closing 96% of them within ten days.

He added that the authority resolved 94.2% of total complaints received—amounting to 32,241 complaints—demonstrating the efficiency of the follow-up system and speed of response. He highlighted that the authority achieved amicable settlements for 22,652 complaints, recovering over RO 7 million for consumers, while 3,595 complaints were referred to the Public Prosecution in accordance with approved legal procedures.

He stated that the authority's communications centre received 51,177 calls, covering inquiries, complaints, reports, and observations, in addition to processing over 15,000 requests related to the authority's services and procedures.

Al Hakmani pointed out that the authority achieved 100% full digitization of its seven main services during 2025, including complaint submission, report reception, service list approval, product addition, price approval, recall and warning services, and visitor services.

This contributes to accelerating service delivery and improving the beneficiary experience without requiring physical presence, aligning with digital transformation trends and enhancing the quality of government services. He confirmed that the authority continued to strengthen its integration with central digital solutions and supporting entities to support performance efficiency, speed of delivery, and service development.

On the preventive front, the media briefing reviewed the authority's efforts to protect consumers from defective goods and vehicles. During the past year, the authority published 12 warnings and announced 48 recalls covering 29,993 vehicles and products, comprising 20,490 vehicles, 8,724 devices, and 779 other goods—embodying a proactive approach to consumer protection, safety enhancement, and market confidence.