Why is this important
A situation where the marketplace is liable even for its own trademark mistakes. The refund amount represents one of the largest compensations for consumer complaints. This case emphasises the vulnerability of rapidly expanding e-commerce to supply chain and quality control issues.
What happened
- The committee determined that the oil packaging had a shelf life of 12 months, although according to GOST standards it was no more than 6 months.
- Marking norms were violated: the mandatory UzTR 724 technical regulation was not specified.
- The products were sold under the brand name Oila Tanlovi — Uzum Market.
- The companies tried to appeal the prescription in court, but the lawsuits were rejected.
- The committee demands: either return the money to the buyers or transfer the amount to the budget.
- The error affected approximately 145,000 bottles of oil that went on sale in April 2024.
What they say
Uzum Market acknowledged the mistake. The specified period met international standards but overlooked local regulation. The entire batch was withdrawn from sale and returned to the manufacturer once the violation was found. The company stressed that the error did not impact the oil’s quality; it was solely related to the marking.
Context
The Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights” mandates accurate information on expiration dates and regulatory frameworks. Uzum Market is actively promoting its own trademarks, and this incident could impact brand credibility. The Competition Committee has previously increased oversight over marketplaces, and the trend of e-commerce regulation in Uzbekistan is gaining momentum.
