Saudi Arabia Product Advertising Checklist — 50 Items to Review
This comprehensive 50-item checklist covers everything to review before launching any product ad in Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a local brand or a foreign company entering the market, this checklist ensures full compliance and improves your campaign's chances of success.
Related guides: Saudi Arabia Advertising Guide | Ad Compliance Checklist
Section 1: Licenses and Legal Basics (10 Items)
| # | Item | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid commercial registration | ☐ |
| 2 | Activity license matching product type | ☐ |
| 3 | VAT registration certificate | ☐ |
| 4 | SFDA license (if food/health/cosmetic product) | ☐ |
| 5 | SASO conformity certificate (imported products) | ☐ |
| 6 | GCAM advertising license (influencers/visual content) | ☐ |
| 7 | MISA foreign investment license (foreign companies) | ☐ |
| 8 | Local agency contract (if via agent) | ☐ |
| 9 | Business bank account | ☐ |
| 10 | Product liability insurance (recommended) | ☐ |
Section 2: Ad Content (10 Items)
| # | Item | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Every claim backed by evidence or source | ☐ |
| 12 | No exaggerations or absolute claims without proof | ☐ |
| 13 | Images accurately represent the actual product | ☐ |
| 14 | Arabic text is grammatically correct | ☐ |
| 15 | English text (if included) is accurate and professional | ☐ |
| 16 | No offensive content violating cultural values | ☐ |
| 17 | Paid content disclosure is clearly visible | ☐ |
| 18 | Competitor comparisons are fair and documented | ☐ |
| 19 | Advertiser information (name, CR number) is visible | ☐ |
| 20 | CTA (call to action) is clear and appropriate | ☐ |
Section 3: Pricing and Offers (10 Items)
| # | Item | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Price includes 15% VAT | ☐ |
| 22 | Currency is in Saudi Riyals (SAR) | ☐ |
| 23 | No hidden fees (shipping, service, etc.) | ☐ |
| 24 | Original discount price is genuine (not inflated) | ☐ |
| 25 | Promotion start and end dates specified | ☐ |
| 26 | Offer terms and conditions are clear | ☐ |
| 27 | Installments/financing — profit rate mentioned | ☐ |
| 28 | Delivery price clearly stated | ☐ |
| 29 | Return policy is clear (minimum 7 days) | ☐ |
| 30 | Available payment methods listed | ☐ |
Learn more: How to Run Discounts Legally in Saudi Arabia
Section 4: Technical and Platform (10 Items)
| # | Item | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Landing page is mobile-optimized | ☐ |
| 32 | Page load speed under 3 seconds | ☐ |
| 33 | Tracking pixels installed (Meta, Google, Snap) | ☐ |
| 34 | Conversion events configured correctly | ☐ |
| 35 | Landing page matches the ad's promise | ☐ |
| 36 | All links work correctly (no 404 errors) | ☐ |
| 37 | SSL certificate active (HTTPS) | ☐ |
| 38 | Privacy policy updated and present | ☐ |
| 39 | Data collection form includes explicit consent | ☐ |
| 40 | Thank you/confirmation page ready | ☐ |
Section 5: Targeting and Measurement (10 Items)
| # | Item | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Target audience clearly defined | ☐ |
| 42 | Geographic targeting by region/city | ☐ |
| 43 | Unsuitable audiences excluded | ☐ |
| 44 | Daily and total budget set | ☐ |
| 45 | Ad schedule configured (peak hours) | ☐ |
| 46 | At least two ad variations (A/B test) | ☐ |
| 47 | Success metrics defined (KPIs) | ☐ |
| 48 | Performance reports scheduled (daily/weekly) | ☐ |
| 49 | Optimization plan for one week post-launch | ☐ |
| 50 | Emergency stop plan (if issues arise) | ☐ |
How to Use This Checklist
- Before launch: Review every item and confirm completion
- During legal review: Share the checklist with legal counsel
- With your team: Each section can be assigned to a specialist team
- For documentation: Keep a signed copy as proof of review
- For updates: Review the checklist every 6 months to stay current with regulation changes
FAQ
Are all items mandatory?
Legal items (Sections 1 and 3) are mandatory. Technical and strategic items (4 and 5) are best practices to ensure campaign success.
How long does it take to complete the full checklist?
For new advertisers: 2–3 weeks. For previously registered brands: 2–5 days.
Do I need to review the checklist for every new ad?
Yes for Section 2 (Content) and Section 3 (Pricing). Other sections are reviewed once and updated periodically.
