Saudi Arabia Anti-Commercial Fraud Law

Saudi Arabia does not yet have a dedicated, enacted Consumer Protection Law — a draft has been under public consultation with the Ministry of Commerce since April 2022 but has not been finalized as of this writing. The operative general consumer-protection instrument currently in force is the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, issued by Royal Decree on 29 April 2008, which superseded an earlier 1984 law. It defines commercial fraud broadly: altering or tampering with a product so it loses part of its value, or selling a product that fails to meet SASO-approved (or other accredited) standard specifications, counts as fraud. Suppliers are barred from trading in, advertising, or promoting counterfeit, adulterated, spoiled, or unauthorized goods, must disclose known risks and defects, and need a license before running promotional contests or discount campaigns. Penalties include up to three years' imprisonment and fines up to SAR 1,000,000. Enforced by the Ministry of Commerce. This reference will be updated if the draft Consumer Protection Law is finally enacted.