Deceptive Practices Protection in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait aggressively prosecutes deceptive commercial practices — MOCI inspectors conduct regular sweeps:
- False advertising — misleading claims about a product's quality, origin, price, or features is a criminal offence.
- Bait-and-switch tactics — advertising a low price to lure customers then pushing a more expensive alternative is prohibited.
- Sellers cannot hide fees or charges — the total price must be displayed before purchase.
- Counterfeit or imitation products must not be sold as genuine branded goods.
- Penalties include fines up to KWD 10,000 and potential imprisonment for serious or repeated offences.
- Kuwait's defamation laws are strict — but filing a factual MOCI complaint is always protected.
When does it apply?
- You were misled by advertising into buying a product that did not match its description.
- You were charged hidden fees not disclosed before purchase.
- You bought a product that turned out to be counterfeit.
What to Do If You Have Been Deceived by False Advertising in Kuwait
- Document the misleading claim — take photos of ads, packaging, or online listings.
- Call MOCI hotline 135 or file through the MOCI app.
- If you suffered financial loss, you can also file a civil lawsuit for damages.
- For counterfeit goods, report to the MOCI anti-fraud division.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delete screenshots or evidence of misleading advertisements — you will need them for your complaint.
- Do not publicly name-and-shame the seller on social media before filing with MOCI — Kuwait's defamation laws are strict and you could face a counter-complaint.
- Do not buy from unlicensed or unverified sellers — they are harder to hold accountable through MOCI.
Common Questions
When does it apply — deceptive practices protection?
You were misled by advertising into buying a product that did not match its description.You were charged hidden fees not disclosed before purchase.You bought a product that turned out to be counterfeit.
What should I do if a business misled me with false advertising in Kuwait?
Document the misleading claim — take photos of ads, packaging, or online listings.Call MOCI hotline 135 or file through the MOCI app.If you suffered financial loss, you can also file a civil lawsuit for damages.For counterfeit goods, report to the MOCI anti-fraud division.
What should you NOT do — deceptive practices protection?
Do not delete screenshots or evidence of misleading advertisements — you will need them for your complaint.Do not publicly name-and-shame the seller on social media before filing with MOCI — Kuwait's defamation laws are strict and you could face a counter-complaint.Do not buy from unlicensed or unverified sellers — they are harder to hold accountable through MOCI.