How E-Commerce Businesses Can Advertise Legally in Saudi Arabia
Legal advertising for e-commerce businesses in Saudi Arabia requires a precise understanding of the regulatory ecosystem governing digital commerce. With the Saudi e-commerce market growing to over SAR 80 billion in 2026, government oversight of online stores and advertising content is intensifying. This guide explains how to advertise effectively while maintaining full compliance.
Reference guide: Saudi E-Commerce Advertising Rules
Who Can Advertise Online in Saudi Arabia?
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid commercial registration | Mandatory for any e-commerce activity |
| Online store license | Registration on Maroof platform (maroof.sa) |
| VAT certificate | Mandatory if sales exceed SAR 375,000 |
| Product license | Depends on product type (SFDA for food & health) |
| Store policies | Returns, privacy, terms of use |
Types of Ads and Their Rules
1. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Allowed:
- Proven claims in ad copy
- VAT-inclusive prices in price extensions
- Keywords matching actual products
Prohibited:
- Using competitor brand names as misleading ads
- Absolute claims ("cheapest", "fastest") without evidence
- Directing to a page with a different product than advertised
2. Social Media Advertising
Allowed:
- Content showing the product realistically
- Offers with clear terms
- Genuine customer reviews
Prohibited:
- Images or videos that don't represent the actual product
- Offers with hidden or misleading conditions
- Fake or purchased reviews
3. Influencer Marketing
Mandatory:
- Written contract between brand and influencer
- GCAM license for the influencer (for visual advertising content)
- Clear disclosure "Ad" or "Paid Partnership"
- Content review before publishing
Details: How to Work with Influencers Legally in Saudi Arabia
4. Email and Messaging Marketing
Allowed:
- Sending offers to explicitly opted-in subscribers
- Unsubscribe option in every message
- Sender identity and contact information included
Prohibited:
- Messages without prior consent (spam)
- Buying email lists or phone number databases
- Hiding the unsubscribe option
Advertising Compliance Steps
- Register and license — CR + Maroof + sector-specific licenses
- Set up policies — returns, privacy, terms, disclosure
- Review content — every ad goes through legal review
- Transparent pricing — every price includes VAT with no hidden fees
- Document claims — every claim backed by a source
- Influencer disclosure — clear contracts and visible disclosure
- Archive — keep a copy of every ad for at least one year
Penalties for Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misleading advertising | Fine up to SAR 1,000,000 |
| Not disclosing paid ad | GCAM fine + content removal |
| Prices without VAT | Fine up to SAR 50,000 from ZATCA |
| Selling without commercial registration | Fine + store closure |
| Data privacy violation | Fine up to SAR 5,000,000 (PDPL) |
Compliance by Product Type
| Product Type | Authority | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | SASO | Conformity certificate, warranty |
| Food | SFDA | Product license, nutrition claims |
| Cosmetics | SFDA | License, no treatment claims |
| Fashion | MC | Transparent sizing, return policy |
| Children's toys | SASO + SFDA | Safety standards |
| Perfumes | SFDA | Product license |
FAQ
Can I advertise without registering on Maroof?
Technically you can advertise on some platforms, but Maroof registration increases consumer trust and shows regulatory commitment. The Ministry of Commerce strongly encourages registration.
What's the difference between advertising and promotional content?
Any content produced in exchange for money, products, or services is considered advertising and must be disclosed — even if it's a "review" or "personal experience."
Do I need a lawyer to review my ads?
Not mandatory but highly recommended — especially for large brands or products in regulated sectors (food, health, financial).
