Last reviewed: November 2026. Sources at the end of the article.
As the year-end shopping seasons approach, it helps to know what the Ministry of Commerce requires of businesses and online stores when they run sales. These rules give you simple tools to check an offer before you buy.
The nine rules announced by the Ministry
The business or online store obtains a sales licence before advertising the discounts.
The licence is displayed prominently so consumers can verify it by scanning its barcode with a phone camera, showing the business details and the discount type, rate and period.
Businesses keep to the genuine, licensed offers and discounts, without circumvention, misleading claims or price manipulation.
Discount ranges ("from – to") are specified and clearly written.
Discounted products carry a price tag showing the price before and after the discount.
Exchange and return policies during the promotion are clearly disclosed to consumers.
Manufacturers' warranties for products in the promotion are honoured.
Consumers can choose a product without being obliged to take a promotional offer.
E-commerce advertising rules are followed.
How does a store obtain a sales licence?
The Ministry issues sales licences electronically through its sales platform without visiting its branches, and the service page lists a fee of SAR 300 per shop. The application includes entering the selected products and their prices in the system.
In 2026 the Ministry also ran an exceptional "2026 Sales" period from early August to 30 October, whose days did not count against a business's annual discount allowance.
What this means for you as a shopper
Scan the barcode: before buying from a big sale, scan the licence barcode to see the discount type, rate and period as registered with the Ministry.
Compare both prices: the price tag should show the price before and after the discount.
Read the return policy: it should be clear to you during the sale period.
Report violations: through the "Balagh Tejari" app or the unified number 1900.
If you plan to buy devices in the White Friday season, see our guide to spotting real electronics discounts.
Sources
Ministry of Commerce: Businesses and e-stores offering sales discounts are required to follow nine rules
Ministry of Commerce: Sales licences service
Saudi Press Agency: "2026 Sales" campaign news
This article is general information, not legal advice; the Ministry of Commerce's own publications are the final reference.