MANAMA: Rules to regulate the booming home delivery sector currently employing 12,000 people in Bahrain are being drawn up by MPs.

Experts say the industry segment has expanded from a workforce of only 1,300 before the Covid-19 pandemic’s precautionary measures changed the public’s shopping habits.

The legislative move is being spearheaded by Bahrain Bloc president and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) board member Ahmed Al Salloom.

“The home delivery service has spun off the normal logistics sector to stand alone on its own as a profitable, strong and revitalising industry,” he said.

“If the sector was seeing growth from a food delivery perspective before the outbreak of Covid-19, the closure of many shops and services has seen it branch out into groceries, clothing, toys and kitchen utensils – you name it!

“It employs more than 12,000 people and we are not just talking about deliveries, there are call centres, warehousing, accounting, marketing and administration tasks and much more.

“Easy tap-to-order smartphone apps have also made this service the first choice for many families and it’s likely to continue to grow even post-pandemic as people appreciate its convenience, no car parking issues or waiting in queues.”

The new draft bill focuses on delivery procedures, regulations, contractual obligations, consumer protection, compensation issues and punishments for companies that do not adhere to the new regulations.

Mr Al Salloom, who is also the chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society, said the home delivery sector had the potential to expand much further.

“Booming doesn’t describe a sector that is nine times bigger than where it was around two years ago and I predict it will grow to even greater heights.

“Normal commerce rules are fine as general practice, but the sector needs its own set of requirements and governance moving forward, anything that affects thousands of people requires special attention.

“This is why we are proposing the sector stands on its own feet through legislation targeting its operations whether that involves delivery procedures, regulations, contractual obligations, consumer protection, with legal compensation payments made and punishments handed out when and where necessary.”

“We have formulated the outlines of a law but specifics have to be properly drawn up and debated by the relevant parliamentary committee.

Parliament services committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari, who is also Al Asala (Salafist) Bloc president, believes legislative action is now essential to deter unacceptable behaviour and bad practice which has come to light in recent times.

“The delivery charges are very high and in some cases delivery firms appear to be taking unfair advantage of customers. Several shops have been ordered to close and shoppers have been prohibited from making their normal purchases to combat the spread of Covid-19.

“Sometimes items purchased online do not match the descriptions shown or are misrepresented and worthless.

“The new rules will certainly make a huge difference. They will protect both businesses and consumers and everyone will understand their rights and privileges.”

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