Saudi Arabia’s new packaging labelling rules propose US$267 fines for labelling violations

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has published draft regulations proposing fines of SAR 200 (US$53) to SAR 1,000 (US$267) for failing to issue invoices and display accurate product information on packaging, as part of a broader consumer protection framework impacting retail packaging and labelling practices.

The draft, published on the Istitlaa Public Survey platform for public consultation, addresses retail compliance gaps including failure to display prices on packaging, inaccurate product information on labels, and discrepancies between displayed and final selling prices. 

The proposed regulations explicitly require invoices to contain a brief description of the product or service, which must align with information printed on product packaging, reinforcing the connection between labelling accuracy and consumer rights. 

A second tier of fines ranging from SAR 1,000 (US$267) to SAR 5,000 (US$1,333) would apply to more serious offences, including possessing goods of unknown origin, which often involves packaging that lacks clear identification marks or traceability information.

Packaging Information Standards and Overcharging Penalties Up to SAR 100,000 (US$26,667)

The proposed regulations introduce stricter penalties for overcharging regulated goods or increasing prices of subsidised products, where businesses would be fined the difference between the regulated and actual selling price, subject to a minimum penalty of SAR 5,000 (US$1,333) and a maximum of SAR 100,000 (US$26,667). 

For establishments that misuse or improperly repackage subsidised flour, proposed penalties range from SAR 2,000 (US$533) to SAR 10,000 (US$2,667). 

Most violations would carry a corrective grace period of up to 14 days before enforcement, while repeat offences would generally result in doubled fines. 

The regulations would also prohibit stores from displaying notices stating that goods cannot be returned or exchanged, strengthening consumer rights.

How Packaging Labelling and Retail Transparency Connect in Saudi Arabia’s Regulatory Framework

The draft regulations represent a significant expansion of Saudi Arabia’s consumer protection framework, complementing existing ZATCA enforcement mechanisms where e-invoicing non-compliance can attract fines starting at SAR 5,000 (US$1,333). 

The Ministry’s move comes as the ZATCA penalty-waiver initiative expires on 30 June 2026, shifting from educational enforcement to full compliance enforcement. 

For packaging producers and brand owners, the regulations reinforce the importance of ensuring that product labels, price markings and packaging information are consistent with invoicing and point-of-sale data. 

The consultation period allows businesses and stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed fines before finalisation and approval.

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