The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has imposed cash fines exceeding Rs 13 million on businesses for regulatory violations in the first five months of the current fiscal year.
The market regulator inspected a total of 1,398 business outlets from mid-July to the end of November. Following these inspections, 287 firms were fined for breaches under the Consumer Protection Act 2018. The department also directed 251 firms to submit necessary documentation and issued general operational improvement notices to 744 businesses.
Sector-Wise Breakdown of Fines
Educational consultancies faced the heaviest penalties, with 50 agencies collectively fined Rs 3.17 million. Other significant fines were levied on:
- Food businesses: Rs 1.94 million from 47 outlets
- Auto parts: Rs 335,000 from 6 outlets
- Cosmetics: Rs 738,000 from 18 shops
- Readymade garments: Rs 667,600 from 13 shops
- Electronics: Rs 300,000
Smaller fines were also collected from sectors including footwear, groceries, hardware, furniture, and bottled water companies. The enforcement actions were carried out by 400 inspection teams deployed across the country during the period.
The campaign highlights the regulator’s intensified efforts to curb market malpractices and enforce compliance with consumer protection laws.
