Deceptive Practices Protection in Bahrain
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Bahrain's Consumer Protection Law and Competition Law work together to prohibit businesses from misleading consumers:
- False advertising: Making false or misleading claims about a product's quality, ingredients, origin, price, or features is a criminal offence — not just a civil matter.
- Bait and switch: Advertising a low price with no intention of selling at that price, then pushing a more expensive alternative, is expressly prohibited.
- VAT-inclusive pricing: Since Bahrain's 10% VAT took effect, all displayed prices must be VAT-inclusive. Adding VAT at checkout is a deceptive practice.
- Counterfeit goods: Selling fake products as genuine is a criminal offence under both the Consumer Protection Law and Penal Code, with penalties including imprisonment.
- Anti-competition violations: The Competition Law (2018) prohibits price-fixing cartels, market division, and abuse of dominant position — the MOIC investigates these.
When does it apply?
- You were misled by advertising into buying something that does not match what was promised.
- You were charged hidden fees or extra VAT not included in the displayed price.
- You suspect you purchased a counterfeit product being sold as genuine.
What to Do If a Business Misled You With False Advertising or Added Hidden VAT at Checkout in Bahrain
- Collect evidence — save advertisements (screenshot social media ads), receipts, photos of the product, and any seller communications.
- Call the MOIC consumer protection hotline at 17574999 or visit the MOIC office with your evidence.
- For counterfeit goods, also report to the Economic Crimes Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
- If you suffered financial loss, consult a lawyer about a civil compensation claim or consider the BCDR (Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution) for faster resolution.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not confront the seller publicly or on social media before filing an official complaint — Bahrain's defamation laws are strict and can backfire on you.
- Do not accept that small print makes hidden fees acceptable — the law requires clear, prominent, VAT-inclusive price disclosure.
- Do not delay — the MOIC can inspect the business and seize evidence faster if you report quickly.
Common Questions
When does it apply — deceptive practices protection?
You were misled by advertising into buying something that does not match what was promised.You were charged hidden fees or extra VAT not included in the displayed price.You suspect you purchased a counterfeit product being sold as genuine.
What should I do if a shop in Bahrain deceived me with false advertising or charged me VAT that was not included in the displayed price?
Collect evidence — save advertisements (screenshot social media ads), receipts, photos of the product, and any seller communications.Call the MOIC consumer protection hotline at 17574999 or visit the MOIC office with your evidence.For counterfeit goods, also report to the Economic Crimes Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.If you suffered financial loss, consult a lawyer about a civil compensation claim or consider the BCDR (Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution) for faster resolution.
What should you NOT do — deceptive practices protection?
Do not confront the seller publicly or on social media before filing an official complaint — Bahrain's defamation laws are strict and can backfire on you.Do not accept that small print makes hidden fees acceptable — the law requires clear, prominent, VAT-inclusive price disclosure.Do not delay — the MOIC can inspect the business and seize evidence faster if you report quickly.