Mauritius importers, traders get severe warning over religious symbols

The Ministry of Commerce of Mauritius has reportedly warned against the production, import and use of products that bear national and religious symbols. “This can have serious legal consequences,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reminded importers, traders and the public that the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017 prohibit the importation and marketing of any product that contains designs or other motifs that are likely to constitute an offense to religion or that are contrary to public morality and religion.

It added that any person found guilty of such an act is liable to a fine of up to Rs1 million and to imprisonment.

Saudi Arabia’s flag

The warning came soon after Super U was found selling 2022 FIFA World Cup foot balls bearing the flag of Saudi Arabia, sparking anger and concerns among Mauritian Muslims.

The flag contains features what Muslims call the “Shahada” – the declaration of faith, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Super U removed the balls from its shelves soon after a letter from the Jummah Mosque, considered as the recognized Islamic authority in Mauritius, stood up against “a total and utter disrespect to the Muslim community and sacrilegious to the fundamental respect of the Muslim faith.”