In Saudi Arabia, counterfeit products are sometimes found in the market, often disguised as well-known brands. These fake items are common in clothing, accessories, handbags, perfumes, electronics, car parts, and even medicines. Selling counterfeit goods is illegal and violates Saudi laws, which impose strict penalties on those who promote or sell them.
This article explains what counterfeit products are, the legal consequences of selling them, and how consumers can protect themselves, along with tips for business owners to avoid violations.
What Are Counterfeit Products?
Counterfeit products are fake goods designed to look like original branded products without the permission of the trademark owner. Their purpose is to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing an authentic product when, in reality, they are getting a lower-quality imitation.
Saudi Laws on Selling Counterfeit Products
Saudi Arabia has strict laws to combat commercial fraud and counterfeit goods, including:
- Anti-Commercial Fraud Law: This law protects consumers from fake and misleading products. It criminalizes the sale or distribution of counterfeit goods and ensures the quality and safety of products in the market.
- Trademark Law: This law protects registered brand owners and prohibits the unauthorized use or imitation of trademarks. Violating this law is a serious offense with severe penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Selling Counterfeit Products?
According to Saudi law, those found guilty of selling counterfeit goods face strict legal consequences, including:
- Imprisonment – Up to one year in jail, or three years in severe cases, especially if consumer harm is involved.
- Fines – Between 50,000 SAR to 1,000,000 SAR, depending on the size and severity of the violation.
- Business Closure – Authorities may shut down stores or online businesses selling counterfeit goods for several months.
- Confiscation & Destruction – All seized counterfeit products are destroyed at the violator's expense to prevent resale.
- Public Naming & Shaming – In some cases, the offender's name and penalty may be published in newspapers to warn the public and deter others from committing the same violation.
How Can Consumers Protect Themselves from Counterfeit Products?
To avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods, consumers should follow these guidelines:
- Buy from trusted retailers – Avoid unknown sellers or shops without official business licenses.
- Verify online stores – When shopping online, make sure the website is secure and offers safe payment options.
- Check customer reviews – Read feedback from other buyers to assess the seller’s credibility.
- Inspect the product – Look for serial numbers, authenticity codes, and high-quality packaging that indicate genuine products.
- Beware of cheap prices – If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s likely a counterfeit product.
- Report suspicious products – If you suspect a product is fake, report it to Saudi authorities through the Ministry of Commerce hotline (1900) or the "Commercial Violation" app.
Tips for Business Owners to Avoid Selling Counterfeit Goods
Retailers and business owners play a key role in preventing counterfeit goods from entering the market. To avoid legal trouble, they should:
- Source products from authorized suppliers – Buy only from trusted and verified distributors.
- Keep purchase records – Maintain invoices and official documents to prove the authenticity of products.
- Verify product authenticity – Check serial numbers, branding, and quality before selling.
- Avoid suspicious deals – If a supplier offers a price that is too low compared to market rates, the goods may be counterfeit.
- Register with the "Ma’roof" platform – If selling online, registering with Saudi Arabia’s official e-commerce platform helps build trust with customers.
- Obtain a valid business license – Running a legal, licensed business ensures protection from legal risks.
Conclusion
Counterfeit products harm both consumers and legitimate businesses. Saudi Arabia is taking strong measures to eliminate fake goods by enforcing strict penalties on violators.
As a consumer, always verify product authenticity before making a purchase. As a business owner, follow legal guidelines to protect your business and customers. Together, we can help create a fair and safe marketplace in Saudi Arabia.