Tougher consumer protection penalties

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Businesses in Bahrain could face fines of up to BD20,000, temporary closures and suspension of commercial registrations under amendments to the country’s consumer protection law, which Parliament approved unanimously on Thursday.

Parliament’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee recommended the amendments to Law No. 35 of 2012, attached to Decree No. 18 of 2026, which Parliament then endorsed.

Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla Fakhro said the changes address shortcomings identified during the implementation of the current law and respond to evolving market practices and consumer behaviour.

The amendments empower the minister or a delegated official to take action against violators, including shutting businesses for up to three months, suspending commercial registrations for up to six months, removing businesses from the commercial register and imposing administrative penalties.