KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has stepped up market monitoring in recent days, conducting a series of inspections across Kathmandu and taking action against several businesses for quality lapses.
On Thursday alone, the department inspected nine packaged drinking water industries in the Capital after receiving complaints about substandard water being supplied to consumers. Officials said the inspections were carried out under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018 and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2019, with necessary directives and penalties issued where required.
Among the companies instructed to immediately improve quality standards were Koshi Mineral Water Industry, Stupa Industries and Sahabhagita Water and Beverage, the department said.
Earlier on November 19, the department inspected 11 shops, industries and business establishments across Kathmandu. Jalpadevi Cosmetic and Sujata Fancy, both located in Gokarneshwar, were fined on the spot for breaching consumer protection norms. On November 18, the department monitored eight firms, imposing a fine of Rs 50,000 on Paragon Footwear Industry in Chandragiri, Rs 50,000 on Rajesh Sanitary Ware, and Rs 20,000 on Aqua Sanjivani Water Processing Industry.
Likewise, on November 17, the department inspected five firms and fined Kavita Beverage Pvt Ltd Rs 10,000 after finding quality-related irregularities.
The department said it has intensified routine inspections to ensure a clean, disciplined and consumer-friendly market environment. It added that market monitoring will continue in coordination with local stakeholders.
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