Businesses that sell Inabie school supplies will be sanctioned.

The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights ( Pro Consumidor ) warned today that it will impose drastic measures on businesses caught selling school kits provided by the government to students in the public education system through the National Institute for Student Welfare ( INABIE ).

In a press release, Pro Consumidor 's executive director, Eddy Alcántara, emphatically stated that economic sanctions will be applied, as well as other sanctions that may include the closure of businesses that sell these supplies, which should be provided free of charge to the country's most vulnerable families.

"Not only will we impose the most severe penalty established by Law 358-05, but we will also temporarily suspend the establishment involved in this malpractice ," he asserted.

Alcántara said that the consumer rights institution will act in response to a formal request from Inabie to pursue those businesses that sell government school kits.

He said the agency expressed concern about the irregular circulation in stores of school supplies that are given free of charge to students at public schools.

The head of Pro Consumidor announced that the institution will implement a schedule of inspections throughout the country, with a team of inspectors who will inspect wholesale and retail establishments to detect and curb these irregularities that threaten the public interest and the Dominican State.

According to the director of Inabie , Victor Castro , the school kits include:

• Backpacks
• Uniforms
• Notebooks
• Pencils
• And other supplies are delivered directly to schools to be distributed free of charge to students.

The sale of these products, identified with the institution's seal, will be considered a serious offense , which could even lead to the cancellation of contracts with the State and the disqualification of the supplier before the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP).

Castro emphasized that, as part of the prevention plan ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, the kits began being distributed on June 23 to more than 6,000 public schools across the country.

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