E-Commerce Consumer Protections 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?
The E-Commerce Law and the Maroof platform give Saudi Arabia one of the most structured online consumer protection frameworks in the Gulf:
- Seller registration: All online sellers must register with the MOC and display their commercial registration number on their website. The Maroof platform (maroof.sa) verifies and rates online sellers.
- 7-day cancellation right: You can cancel an online order within 7 days of receiving the product if it is unused and in original condition — unless it is perishable, digital, or customized.
- Delivery obligations: The seller must deliver within the agreed timeframe. If no date was agreed, delivery must happen within 15 days.
- Payment protection: Online stores must use secure payment methods and cannot store your payment data without explicit consent.
- Misleading reviews: Fake product reviews and undisclosed paid testimonials are prohibited.
- Social media sellers: Instagram and other social media sellers operating commercially must also register with the MOC — unregistered sellers operating through social media face the same penalties as unregistered websites.
When does it apply?
- You bought something online from a Saudi-based seller or platform operating in Saudi Arabia.
- Your order was not delivered, delivered late, or was different from what was described.
- You want to cancel or return an online purchase.
What to Do If an Online Seller in Saudi Arabia Did Not Deliver or Refused Your Cancellation
- Check the seller on Maroof (maroof.sa) — verify their commercial registration and consumer rating before buying.
- Request cancellation within 7 days of receiving the product if you changed your mind.
- If the seller is unresponsive, file a complaint with the MOC by calling 1900 or through the Maroof platform directly.
- Save order confirmations, delivery receipts, and chat logs as evidence.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not buy from unregistered sellers — check Maroof first. Unregistered sellers offer limited legal recourse.
- Do not share payment details on sites without secure payment systems (look for HTTPS and trusted payment gateways).
- Do not ignore delivery deadlines — if the seller misses the agreed date, you can cancel and demand a full refund.
Common Questions
When does it apply — e-commerce consumer protections?
You bought something online from a Saudi-based seller or platform operating in Saudi Arabia.Your order was not delivered, delivered late, or was different from what was described.You want to cancel or return an online purchase.
What should I do if an online seller in Saudi Arabia failed to deliver my order or refused to cancel it?
Check the seller on Maroof (maroof.sa) — verify their commercial registration and consumer rating before buying.Request cancellation within 7 days of receiving the product if you changed your mind.If the seller is unresponsive, file a complaint with the MOC by calling 1900 or through the Maroof platform directly.Save order confirmations, delivery receipts, and chat logs as evidence.
What should you NOT do — e-commerce consumer protections?
Do not buy from unregistered sellers — check Maroof first. Unregistered sellers offer limited legal recourse.Do not share payment details on sites without secure payment systems (look for HTTPS and trusted payment gateways).Do not ignore delivery deadlines — if the seller misses the agreed date, you can cancel and demand a full refund.