The Ministry of Commerce fined two stores 46,000 riyals for delayed delivery
As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate markets and protect consumer rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Commerce the detection of serious violations by two online stores, resulting in the imposition of strict financial and administrative penalties. This action underscores the Ministry's commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Electronic Commerce Law and its implementing regulations to ensure a fair and reliable business environment.
Details of the violation and the prescribed penalties
The Ministry announced the closure of two stores selling electrical and electronic appliances. The committee reviewing violations of the e-commerce regulations found the stores to be failing to meet their contractual obligations to consumers. These violations included delays in delivering sold products within the legally stipulated timeframe, as well as the stores unilaterally canceling orders without refunding payments to consumers, a clear infringement of customers' financial rights.
Accordingly, the ministry issued decisions that included imposing a total financial penalty of 46,000 riyals , along with issuing a warning to the two merchants, and obligating them to address all reports and complaints submitted by the affected parties immediately to ensure that rights are restored to their owners.
Legal context: Consumer protection in the e-commerce system
These penalties are based on the provisions of the Kingdom's e-commerce law, which establishes clear frameworks for the relationship between merchants and consumers. The law explicitly states that if a service provider delays delivering a product or providing a service for more than 15 days from the contract date (or the agreed-upon date), the consumer has the right to cancel the order and receive a full refund without any additional costs, and without prejudice to their right to compensation for any damages resulting from this delay.
This system is a fundamental pillar of modern Saudi commercial legislation, as it aims to close loopholes that some traders may exploit, and to ensure that cyberspace is not a fertile ground for misleading or fraudulent practices.
The importance of oversight and its impact on the digital economy
These regulatory measures are of paramount importance given the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector in the Kingdom, which is a key objective of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 digital transformation. The strict enforcement of fines against violators sends a clear message to all online stores about the necessity of adhering to professional and legal standards.
This regulation contributes to strengthening the confidence of both local and international consumers in the Saudi market, where trust is paramount in digital transactions. When consumers realize there is an effective regulatory body protecting their rights, they are more inclined to shop online, which positively impacts economic growth and the overall volume of buying and selling.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Commerce called on all consumers not to hesitate to report any violations they encounter through the “Commercial Report” application or other official channels, stressing that consumer awareness is the first line of defense and an essential partner in the monitoring process.
