What Must an Online Store Display in Saudi Arabia
Saudi e-commerce law requires every online store to display a specific set of information to consumers before, during, and after purchase. Non-compliance can result in Ministry of Commerce fines of up to SAR 1 million and platform closure. This guide details every required element.
Also read: Saudi E-Commerce Advertising Rules
Mandatory Information on the Homepage
| Element | Description | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Store/business name | Official name matching commercial registration | ✅ Yes |
| Commercial registration number | Visible and verifiable | ✅ Yes |
| VAT registration number | If registered for VAT | ✅ Yes |
| Physical address | Headquarters or local agent address | ✅ Yes |
| Contact methods | Active email or phone number | ✅ Yes |
| Maroof badge | If registered on Maroof platform | Recommended |
Product Page — Mandatory Information
Every product page must display:
- Product name and accurate description
- Clear and detailed product description
- Technical specifications (for electronics)
- Available sizes and colors (for clothing)
- Complete price
- Including 15% VAT
- In Saudi Riyals
- With any additional fees (shipping, installation)
- If a discount: original price and discounted price both shown
- Product condition
- New / Used / Refurbished
- Expiry date (for food products)
- Availability and delivery
- Whether the product is currently in stock
- Expected delivery time
- Coverage areas
- Warranty (if available)
- Warranty duration
- What the warranty covers
- How to file a warranty claim
Mandatory Policy Pages
Every online store must have these pages:
1. Return and Exchange Policy
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Return period | Minimum 7 days from receipt date |
| Product condition | Must accept returns if product is unused |
| Return shipping cost | Must clarify who bears the cost |
| Exceptions | Non-returnable items must be explicitly stated |
| Refund timeline | Must refund within 14 days |
2. Privacy Policy
- What data you collect and why
- How you use the data
- Who you share it with (if third parties)
- User rights to access, modify, and delete
- Data protection measures
- Compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)
3. Terms of Use
- Eligibility (18+ to purchase)
- Buyer and seller responsibilities
- Intellectual property rights
- Applicable Saudi law
- Dispute resolution mechanism
4. Shipping and Delivery Policy
- Coverage areas
- Authorized shipping companies
- Delivery time per region
- Shipping cost or free shipping conditions
- Order tracking
Checkout Page — Special Requirements
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Order summary | All products with prices before confirmation |
| Final price | Including product + shipping + VAT |
| Payment methods | Show all options: card, mada, Apple Pay, Tamara |
| Security information | Protection badge (SSL), lock icon |
| Confirm button | Clear and explicit — consumer knows they commit to pay |
| Policy links | Link to return policy and terms before payment |
After Purchase — Store Obligations
- Order confirmation — send email or message with order details within 24 hours
- Tax invoice — mandatory, containing: seller name, VAT number, itemized products and prices
- Shipment tracking — tracking number or link to monitor order status
- After-sales service — functional communication channel for inquiries and complaints
Common Mistakes Leading to Violations
- No return policy page — direct violation
- Prices without VAT on product page — most common violation
- No business name or CR number — credibility loss
- Privacy policy copied from a foreign site — doesn't comply with PDPL
- Not issuing tax invoice — ZATCA violation
FAQ
Can I display prices in USD alongside SAR?
Yes, but the Saudi Riyal price including VAT must be the primary and most prominent price. Foreign currency price is shown as reference only.
Is Maroof registration mandatory?
Not legally mandatory yet, but the Ministry of Commerce strongly encourages it and it significantly increases consumer trust.
What if I only sell through Instagram?
Same rules apply. You must display store information, commercial registration, and VAT-inclusive prices in your bio or in every sales post.
