In response to unprecedented price hikes and market instability that have strained consumers in Damascus, Syrian authorities have introduced a new tech-driven initiative to enhance regulatory oversight. The Directorate of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection has begun rolling out a system that assigns unique QR codes to commercial establishments, aiming to bring greater transparency to the capital’s volatile markets.
This move follows months of frustration among citizens who have found traditional market monitoring by supply patrols insufficient to curb price gouging and inconsistencies between retailers. The new system places QR-coded stickers on storefronts and affiliated vehicles, allowing consumers to electronically access establishment data, provide ratings, and file complaints directly.
A Digital Push for Transparency
According to Essam Ghreiwati, Chairman of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, the primary objective of the initiative is to create a robust data-gathering mechanism for regulatory bodies. This data, which includes the frequency of patrol visits, the number of violations, and consumer complaints, will initially be accessible only to the administration and not shared with financial or insurance authorities.
“The barcode is not just a digital tool, but a means of monitoring markets in an organized and transparent way,” Ghreiwati explained. He emphasized that the system would enable authorities to assess patrol performance, track daily violations per store, and process consumer complaints more effectively.
“The goal is to protect the consumer and improve the quality of services in shops, not to impose strict, arbitrary control on merchants,” he added. The technology is also expected to streamline administrative procedures for officials and provide accurate reports on business activities and complaint patterns, leading to more informed market policies.
Merchants Voice Concerns Over Practicality
However, the initiative has been met with skepticism from some within the business community. Hayan al-Ashqar, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, described the initiative as “difficult to apply in practice” and warned it could increase pressure on shop owners rather than alleviating it.
“Electronic evaluation of an establishment can sometimes be unfair,” al-Ashqar noted. “Some complaints are inaccurate or exaggerated and can affect a shop’s reputation without a mechanism to correct them.”
He further argued that the QR code system could impose an administrative burden on small business owners who lack the resources to track and respond to every electronic complaint. Al-Ashqar fears the tool may escalate tensions between consumers and merchants without addressing the core issues of high prices and supply inconsistencies. “We are not against oversight, but it must be gradual and realistic,” he stated.
A Phased Rollout
Officials have confirmed that the QR code system will be implemented gradually, starting with a limited number of shops to test its effectiveness and address any potential issues before a city-wide expansion. Ghreiwati stressed that collaboration between the administration and merchants is crucial for the initiative’s success. He positioned the program as an opportunity to improve consumer relations and reduce market violations rather than add new burdens on business owners.
About the Damascus Chamber of Commerce
The Damascus Chamber of Commerce is an official organization representing the interests of the commercial and business community in Damascus, Syria. It works to support and develop trade, facilitate economic activity, and act as a liaison between the private sector and government bodies to foster a healthy business environment in the capital.
Source: Alaraby
