Muscat – With the new academic year set to begin on Sunday, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has launched an awareness campaign urging parents and consumers to take simple precautions when purchasing school supplies and other school essentials.

The campaign aims to raise consumer awareness and ensure that families are familiar with their rights when shopping during the busy back-to-school season.

The authority stressed the importance of obtaining and retaining invoices for all purchases, describing the invoice as the first line of protection for consumers and an essential document for preserving their legal rights in cases involving the replacement or return of goods.

The CPA reminded consumers that the right to return or exchange goods is protected under consumer protection regulations and should not be surrendered when making purchases. It encouraged shoppers to check their purchases carefully and ensure that the goods meet the required specifications before completing transactions.

The authority called on parents to exercise caution when purchasing school uniforms, bags, stationery, electronic devices and other educational supplies, particularly during periods of increased demand.

Consumers are advised to compare prices and specifications before purchasing, avoid making decisions based solely on promotional offers, and ensure that advertised discounts and product information are accurate and clear.

The campaign is part of the CPA’s ongoing efforts under the slogan ‘Awareness and Commitment’ which seeks to raise consumer awareness and promote responsible shopping practices while protecting consumer rights.

The authority emphasised that consumer protection is a shared responsibility between consumers and suppliers. Consumers are encouraged to keep invoices, receipts and other purchase documents and to report any violations or practices that infringe upon their rights through the official channels of the CPA.

As families prepare for the new school year, the CPA urged consumers to remain informed and cautious, noting that a few simple steps at the time of purchase can help prevent disputes and ensure that consumer rights are protected.