CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Qatar

Law on subsidised commodities soon

Published: 25 Jan 2017 - 11:14 pm | Last Updated: 09 Nov 2021 - 04:47 pm

The Peninsula

The State Cabinet yesterday took the necessary measures to issue a draft law regulating the dealing in subsidised commodities, after it was briefed about the Advisory Council recommendations on the draft law.
The draft law identified subsidised commodities as foodstuff and feed that are supported by the state and prohibits any natural or legal person dealing in such goods prior to obtaining a licence from the competent department.
The draft law also set the terms of obtaining the license and the process of applying for licenses and the duration. The draft law stipulated that the subsidized commodities and the maximum prices and categories of beneficiaries will be determined by a decision of the cabinet.  Trade controls licensing the sale of those commodities non-beneficiaries categories and the maximum prices will be determined by a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce.
Those licensed to deal in subsidised commodities are prohibited from the sale of subsidised commodities or offering to sell them at a higher price than the specified one, the sale of subsidised commodities for less than the specified weight by the competent administration and replacing subsidised commodities to other commodities of lower quality with the intention of selling or taking advantage of price differences.
They are also prohibited from mixing subsidised commodities with other goods or changing their specifications and possession after that with the purpose of trading, refusing the sale of subsidized commodities or selling them in quantities exceeding the prescribed limits.
Hiding subsidised commodities or closing shop with an intention to refrain from selling them, imposing purchase of certain quantities of subsidised commodities or buying another commodity with it or suspending purchase on a requirement contrary to the law are also banned.
The draft law also prohibits sale of subsidised commodities or storing them outside licensed shop, sale of subsidised commodities for non-beneficiary categories unless licensed to do so.
The Cabinet approved a draft law on decorations and military medals, and its draft executive regulations and a decision of Council of Ministers amending organisation of some of the administrative units that comprise General Secretariat of Council of Ministers and set their terms of reference.
The Cabinet also approved a draft Trust Fund Agreement (co-financing) between Qatar and the United Nations Population Fund.
The Cabinet reviewed the draft decision to extend the lease contracts for some places and parts of the leased premises for non-residential purposes.
The Cabinet condemned Israeli government for approving to build 2500 new settlement home in West Bank; which comes after already approving permits of building 566 settlement homes in East Jerusalem.