In a recent tweet, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) issued an important circular to car and motorbike dealers, and maintenance service providers.

Important note to car and motorcycle dealers and maintenance service providers regarding the noise levels generated by vehicles. pic.twitter.com/b6XwBSlCtV

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) July 16, 2023

Circular No(3) of 2023 on the "Noise level emitted by Cars and Motorcycles."
Based on Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its amendments, which clarified the obligations of car and motorcycle dealerships and maintenance service providers, and explained how to carry out these obligations in accordance with the law's provision and its implementing regulations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasises the need for all providers to ensure that noise emission levels of cars and motorcycles conform to the conditions and standards of the Qatari standard specifications issued by the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology. The State of Qatar applies the following standard specifications:

1. Gulf Standard / Cars - Noise Pollution (GSO1624/2002) in the sector of mechanical products specifications.
2. Gulf Standard / Motorcycles Noise Pollution (GSO ECE 41-1:2007) in the sector of mechanical products specifications.

Circular
As a result, when the vehicle is tested while moving the sound level in the car or motorcycle should not exceed the limits indicated in the specification for the decibel (dB) unit, whether for the same gasoline or diesel engine. Exceeding the specified levels is considered a clear violation of the provisions of Articles (5)(6)and (13) of Law No(8) of 2008 on consumer protection.

Circular Violation:

1. A fine of not more than one million riyals or imprisonment for not more than two years.
2. An administrative closure of no more than three months.

Corrective measures:

• Suspending the sale of spare parts that cause sound amplification in cars and motorcycles, resulting in noise pollution.
• Recalling cars that have been equipped with "spare parts that cause sound amplification" and modifying and rectifying their position by removing spare parts that violate Qatar's standard specifications.
• Car and motorcycle dealerships, and their related maintenance centres, as well as all other maintenance centres, will be given one month to 60 days from the date of the circular's issuance to correct and settle the situation.
• Taking into account the requirements of Decree-Law No. (19) of 2007 on the Promulgation of the Anended Traffic Law and Decree-Law No. (30) of 2022 on the Promulgation of the amended Environment Protection Law, in terms of provisions and requirements that prevent the existence of noise pollution.

In this regard, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirms that, within one month of the issuance of this circular, a joint campaign will be launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior under the slogan "Noise Pollution from Cars and Motorcycles" to ensure that various sales outlets and maintenance centers adhere to the requirements of the established Qatari standards, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will deal with any violation of the obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 and its implementing regulations related to consumer protection.

Image Credit: Shutterstock
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Qatar

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Rikhia Basu

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