Saudi Q4 2024 Consumer Report: Over 200,000 inspections conducted to protect consumers

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has released its consumer report for the fourth quarter of 2024, highlighting its efforts in protecting consumers, combating commercial fraud and concealment, and regulating e-commerce platforms. The report details the various measures taken during this quarter to safeguard consumer rights.

The report shows that the Ministry conducted over 200,000 inspections across Saudi Arabia during the quarter, covering a wide range of industries and economic activities. Of these, more than 186,000 inspections were aimed at combating commercial fraud, over 7,400 specifically targeted commercial concealment, and another 11,200 focused on e-commerce platforms. These intensive inspection operations demonstrate the Ministry's strict regulation of market order.

To effectively combat commercial fraud, the Ministry handled more than 150,000 commercial complaints, seized over 2 million non-compliant products, and referred 420 cases to the Public Prosecution. These figures demonstrate the Ministry's determination and proactive approach in combating illegal activities.

Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid Al-Qasabi, announced in October 2024 that the Saudi Consumer Protection Law is nearing completion and will address many challenges currently faced by consumers. He also emphasized that the Ministry has reviewed and updated more than 110 regulations, including the Companies Law, the E-Commerce Law, and the Commercial Franchise Law and their implementing regulations, to strengthen market supervision and protect consumer rights.

Minister Al-Qasabi further explained that market supervision has been strengthened to protect consumers, monitor prices, and combat fraud and concealment. In addition, the Ministry has launched several new initiatives, including a consumer complaint center, a recall center, and the "Imtithal" inspection system. To address commercial concealment, 13 government agencies are working together, using AI-powered electronic systems to assist inspection teams in identifying potential cases.

Minister Al-Qasabi revealed that e-commerce accounted for 8% of Saudi Arabia's total trade in 2022, and revenues are expected to reach 260 billion Saudi Riyals by 2025. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia recorded 50 million e-commerce shipments in 2023, and 190 million delivery orders were successfully completed through applications in 2022. These figures reflect the booming development of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia.