Market inspection campaign intensified by Industry Ministry

Manama, Dec. 26 (BNA): In implementation of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to review the Value-Added Tax Law (VAT Law) application mechanism to ensure the citizens needs for basic goods and services, and as part of its monitoring role and to boost the consumers and commercial sector awareness, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT)’s Inspection Directorate in coordination with the Consumer Protection Directorate intensified the inspection and monitoring of commercial outlets and disseminating awareness among traders and shop owners regarding the importance of compliance with the law. The ministry intensified its monitoring and follow-up of commercial shops and markets all over Bahrain to ensure compliance with the laws and legislations that regulate the sale and purchase transactions in respect of VAT application. The ministry inspectors carried out intensive and diversified inspection tours this morning to the various commercial markets and services all over Bahrain to ensure compliance with all the rules and laws approved in this respect in addition to ensuring that VAT is not charged or levied on exempted consumer goods and services. The ministry reiterated its call to the commercial sector for compliance with the VAT rules and the law by registering in the National Bureau for Taxation (NBT)’s website: www.nbt.gov.bh in compliance with the relevant rules and regulations. The ministry called all citizens and consumers to cooperate with the ministry and with all the relevant governmental authorities by reporting any violations or breaches of the law, by calling the National Call Centre hotline: 80008001 The ministry is thoroughly monitoring to ensure application of the relevant laws to maintain the interest of both the consumer and the commercial sector.