قانون التجارة الإلكترونية في السعودية و السوق الرقمي

Sahl Monday,20 Oct 2025

With the rapid development of the world of e-commerce, it has become necessary to have laws that regulate these processes and protect the rights of all parties involved. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the E-Commerce Law was issued to regulate this thriving sector, guarantee the rights of merchants and consumers, and define the legal obligations of each party. In this article, we will review the most important features of this law and how e-store owners can comply with it.
What is the E-Commerce Law in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi E-Commerce Law is a set of regulations and legislation that regulate online commercial transactions, with the aim of enhancing trust in electronic transactions, ensuring transparency in transactions, and protecting the rights of consumers and merchants. This law was issued by royal decree and covers several aspects, such as documenting electronic contracts, regulating the rights and duties of both merchants and consumers, and cybersecurity requirements.
The most important requirements for registering an online store in Saudi Arabia
If you want to set up an online store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are several conditions that must be adhered to according to the E-Commerce Law:
Electronic Commercial Register: The merchant must obtain an electronic commercial register from the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.
Compliance with consumer protection requirements: Product details, payment policies, returns, and exchanges must be clearly stated on the website.
Identity Verification: The law requires e-store owners to verify their identity to ensure their credibility.
Compliance with Electronic Payment Policies: Payment gateways used must be licensed and approved by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).
Personal Data Protection: The law requires merchants to maintain the confidentiality of customer data and not use it without their permission.
Consumer Rights in E-Commerce
The E-Commerce Law is committed to protecting consumers from fraud or unfair practices. Among the most prominent consumer rights under this law are:
The right to return and exchange products within a specified period in accordance with store policies.
Price transparency and the prohibition of imposing any undisclosed additional fees.
Protecting personal data and ensuring it is not shared with third parties without the user's consent.
Requiring e-stores to provide their contact information so that consumers can submit complaints or inquiries.
E-commerce Obligations
E-commerce merchants must comply with several legal obligations to maintain smooth operations and enhance consumer confidence, including:
Providing clear and comprehensive electronic invoices.
Clearly disclosing delivery and return policies.
Updating data and information related to products and services on a regular basis.
Compliance with anti-commercial fraud and misleading regulations.
Penalties and violations in e-commerce
In the event of non-compliance with the e-commerce law, merchants face penalties, including:
Financial fines that may reach up to 1,000,000 Saudi riyals in some cases.
Temporary or permanent closure of the online store in the event of serious violations.
Blacklisting violators to prevent them from practicing e-commerce in the future.
How can you ensure your compliance with the e-commerce law?
To avoid any legal issues, ensure you:
Obtain a valid electronic commercial registration.
Use approved and secure payment gateways.
Provide all information about products and services in your store.
Adhere to consumer protection and privacy policies.
Follow up on updates to e-commerce laws and regulations.
The e-commerce law in Saudi Arabia is an important step towards regulating digital businesses and protecting the rights of everyone in the e-commerce environment. Whether you are a merchant or a consumer, knowing your rights and responsibilities ensures a smooth and secure business experience. Compliance with laws and regulations contributes to enhancing customer confidence and ensuring the long-term success of your online store.