RASHA TBEILEH (ABU DHABI)
The Ministry of Economy in the UAE issued recalls for approximately 133,400 products and goods throughout the year 2023. Vehicles constituted the largest share of these recalls, totalling 89,600 units and representing 67.1% of the total.
According to data released by the Ministry, the remaining portion of recalls included a variety of products such as electrical tools, children’s toys, footwear, electronics (including phone accessories and home theatre systems), children’s books, fire detection devices, and water tanks among other products.
During the first quarter of 2023, a total of 44,728 products were recalled, including 34,537 vehicles, 1,726 electric vacuum cleaners, 6,959 children’s toys, and various other items. In the second quarter, 20,661 products were recalled, all of which were vehicles.
The third quarter saw a total of 44,262 recalls, including 12,446 vehicles and 31,816 electronic items like home theatre systems. The fourth quarter recorded 23,780 recalls, with 21,945 vehicles, 1,137 fire detection devices, 474 children’s books, 224 water tanks, and other items.
According to official data, the total product recalls in 2022 reached around 150,000, compared with 110,236 recalls in 2021. The recall process involves the withdrawal of defective or hazardous products from the market by the supplier, relevant entity, or concerned party within the UAE or the country of origin, under the supervision of the Ministry.
The product recall service allows suppliers, manufacturers, and product agents to report defective products by completing a recall form. It also serves as a reference for all goods and consumer services subject to recalls by relevant authorities, providing information and regulations related to the system.
This initiative aims to safeguard the health and safety of consumers, protect their rights, ensure the rights of retail traders and manufacturers, and maintain market stability in the UAE.