JEDDAH — The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has shut down three unlicensed jewelry firms in Jeddah. Inspection teams from the ministry raided the outlets for manufacturing and trade of precious metals and gemstones that were functioning in violation of the Law of Precious Metals and Gemstones. It was found that the firms were being run by Arab nationals under cover up (tasattur) business and without proper licenses. The violators shall be sentenced to a maximum jail term of two years and fines of up to SR1 million in addition to deportation of expatriates and publishing names of the culprits in local newspapers at their expense. The punitive measures also include shutting down of the firm, withdrawal of its license and ban the violators from practicing any commercial activities in the Kingdom. The concerned agencies are completing the procedures to refer the case to the Public Prosecution for the enforcement of statutory penalties for violators in accordance with the provisions of the anti-cover-up and precious metals and gemstones regulations. The ministry's inspectors seized some quantity of ornaments in the premises of the establishments. Samples were taken to test them in specialized laboratories to verify their quality and standard. The ministry stressed the importance of business enterprises complying with rules and obtaining necessary licenses. It underlined the need for manufacturers and suppliers to register their trademark in accordance with regulations and procedures to protect the rights of consumers. The ministry stressed that inspections will continue to ensure that all jewelry firms and ornament making and selling outlets are complying with its regulations. The ministry called on the consumers to report any violations by calling toll free number (1900), or through the app "Balagh" or the ministry's website. "Balagh" lets any consumer (citizen, resident, or visitor) to report any commercial violation through smart devices with the possibility of attaching images of the violation as well as determining the location directly and knowing the status of their reported tickets.
