Law of Product Safety issued by Royal Decree No. (M/36) of 2024.

This Product Safety System, consisting of 37 articles, aims to protect the consumer by preventing the risk associated with products placed or displayed in the Kingdom’s markets, and clarifying the method of dealing with the risk and dangers associated with those products and applies to all products, including products traded electronically, except for products whose jurisdiction is assigned to the General Authority for Food and Drug. When implementing the system, key principles must be followed, including (i) non-discrimination between local and imported products; (ii) ensuring that corrective measures and penalties are proportionate to the violation; (iii) promoting effective coordination among all involved parties; (iv) maintaining transparency by involving all stakeholders. Chapter III outlines public safety obligations for all products. It prohibits the manufacture, import, or sale of any product deemed unsafe. A product is considered safe if its risks are acceptable and it meets technical and safety standards. Manufacturers, authorized representatives, and importers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and comply with all technical regulations. They must also conduct risk assessments, provide proof of safety when requested, and inform consumers of any risks. This includes putting their name and contact details on the product and staying informed of potential hazards, taking corrective actions like issuing warnings or recalls when necessary. Distributors must also ensure they do not sell non-compliant products, help communicate information about product risks, and cooperate with authorities and other economic operators on corrective measures. Finally, any economic operator who learns that a product is unsafe must immediately inform the relevant authorities and outline the corrective actions they have taken. Chapter IV outlines specific product safety obligations. Technical regulations must contain all information necessary to ensure product safety, including essential requirements, references to standards, risk assessment methods, and documentation and marking specifications. Chapter V outlines the role of Conformity Assessment Bodies. If a technical regulation requires it, the entity placing a product on the market must hire an approved body to perform the necessary conformity assessment. Chapter VI outlines the framework for market surveillance. The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is responsible for developing and implementing a national strategy to oversee market activities and ensure products meet all safety and compliance requirements. To enforce these standards, inspectors are granted broad powers to enter and search facilities, seize non-compliant goods and relevant documents, and collect samples for testing. They can also issue violation reports and, in necessary cases, temporarily close down a location. Obstructing an inspector's work is prohibited. While inspectors must maintain the confidentiality of the information they gather, they can share it with relevant authorities to ensure market supervision and public safety. The System also deals with penalties and liabilities, establishing that non-compliance can result in warnings, fines up to ten million riyals, or closure of establishments for up to one year. For minor infractions, a corrective period may be allowed before incurring fines or closure. More serious offences, such as deliberately placing or displaying unsafe products, can result in imprisonment for up to ten years. In cases of product defects, manufacturers will be liable for damages.