Right to File Consumer Complaints (MOC 1900) in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi Arabia's consumer complaint infrastructure is the most developed in the Gulf, with multiple reporting channels:
- MOC hotline (1900): Call the Ministry of Commerce at 1900 to report consumer rights violations — available 24/7.
- MOC app: File complaints with photos and documents attached. The app tracks your case and sends status updates.
- Balagh app: Report commercial fraud specifically — counterfeit goods, unlicensed businesses, and pricing violations.
- Maroof platform: Report issues with online sellers through maroof.sa, which tracks seller ratings and complaint history.
- National Consumer Protection Association (NCPA): A government-supported advocacy body that provides free advice, mediation, and legal referrals for consumers. The NCPA can intervene on your behalf with businesses.
- Investigation powers: The MOC can fine businesses, order refunds, shut down repeat offenders, and refer criminal cases to the Public Prosecution.
Businesses are prohibited from retaliating against consumers who file complaints.
When does it apply?
- A business violated your consumer rights — defective product, deceptive advertising, refusal to accept returns, overcharging, etc.
- A seller is not responding to your complaint directly.
- You want to report a health or safety risk related to a consumer product.
What to Do If a Business Violated Your Consumer Rights in Saudi Arabia and Will Not Help You
- Try to resolve the issue with the seller first — keep a written record of your attempts.
- Call 1900 or use the MOC app to file a formal complaint with supporting documents.
- For commercial fraud, use the Balagh app — it routes your report directly to MOC inspectors.
- If you need advocacy, contact the National Consumer Protection Association for free help.
- Follow up on your complaint — you receive a reference number and can track progress through the MOC app.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not wait too long — file complaints promptly while evidence is fresh.
- Do not exaggerate or fabricate claims — false complaints can result in penalties against you.
- Do not accept a business telling you complaints are not allowed — your right to complain is protected by law, and retaliation is illegal.
Common Questions
When does it apply — right to file consumer complaints (moc 1900)?
A business violated your consumer rights — defective product, deceptive advertising, refusal to accept returns, overcharging, etc.A seller is not responding to your complaint directly.You want to report a health or safety risk related to a consumer product.
What should I do if a business in Saudi Arabia has violated my consumer rights and is not responding to my complaints?
Try to resolve the issue with the seller first — keep a written record of your attempts.Call 1900 or use the MOC app to file a formal complaint with supporting documents.For commercial fraud, use the Balagh app — it routes your report directly to MOC inspectors.If you need advocacy, contact the National Consumer Protection Association for free help.Follow up on your complaint — you receive a reference number and can track progress through the MOC app.
What should you NOT do — right to file consumer complaints (moc 1900)?
Do not wait too long — file complaints promptly while evidence is fresh.Do not exaggerate or fabricate claims — false complaints can result in penalties against you.Do not accept a business telling you complaints are not allowed — your right to complain is protected by law, and retaliation is illegal.