KUWAIT CITY, Aug 25: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a surprise inspection campaign targeting shops and outlets selling school supplies, as part of its preparations ahead of the new school year.

The Commercial Control Department led the tour, headed by Director Faisal Al-Ansari, accompanied by a team of inspectors. The campaign covered several markets in the Capital Governorate, focusing on school bags, stationery, uniforms, and related items.

Al-Ansari said the inspection comes under the ministry’s annual plan for the back-to-school season, stressing that authorities will take strict action against unjustified price hikes, counterfeit products, or items that fail to meet safety standards. “The main objective is to protect consumers and ensure that families obtain safe goods at fair prices,” he stressed.

During the tour, inspectors reviewed displayed prices against invoices, examined school bags and clothing, and verified that stationery items conformed to specifications. They also checked for counterfeit products that could pose health risks to students.

Al-Ansari noted that market monitoring continues daily, around the clock, and that complaints from parents are addressed immediately. He urged consumers to use the ministry’s hotline or electronic application to report violations.

Shoppers in the markets expressed relief over the campaign, praising the ministry’s efforts to regulate prices during the peak demand period. “The presence of inspectors in the field gives us greater confidence and reassurance before our children return to school,” said one parent.

With only days remaining before the first school bell, the ministry reaffirmed its strong market presence, declaring: “The market is under supervision… and the consumer comes first.”