License must to run e-stores of Businesses warns Saudi Ministries
The Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia explained that e-stores that want to sell their products online must apply for a registration certificate from the Ministry of Commerce or a freelance license from Freelance Platform, which is run by Human Resources Ministry.
Both the ministries in the Kingdom highlighted that online store must comply with e-commerce requirements and the provisions of e-commerce law in order to protect consumer rights.
- The e-Commerce Council highlighted the importance of applying for a business registration certificate for individuals who are engaged in e-commerce activities for continuing to practice it legally. Similar : Ministry warns of fake and unknown e-stores that defraud shoppers
- To respect consumer rights, the Council said that business registration certificates could be issued online. If the applicant's business activity necessitates a license from another government entity, the applicant must meet those requirements as well, reported Saudi Gazette.
- The Council explained that this step is needed to increase the trustworthiness of e-commerce transactions, as well as to defend consumer and merchant rights, besides removing counterfeit businesses.
- Recently, the Ministry has noticed several cases of non-compliance and violation of consumer rights, beside fraudulent practices perpetrated by some e-stores run by individuals who do not have a registration certificate. See Also : Expat workers arrested for converting apartment into a fake products business factory
- As per the Council, the stores who received a registration certificate must impose the following 13 standards of reliability in e-commerce, which are as follows
1. Provide a contact number for communication
2. Provide an email for communication
3. Provide a chat option. Trending : An old man sells his house, to visit Makkah and perform Umrah
4. Provide secure e-payment through official banking channels.
5. Allow customers to lodge a complaint online
6. Allow customers to lodge a complaint through social media.
7. Mention the exact time to respond a complaint.
8. Mention the exact time of processing a complaint.
9. Specify the time of delivery before completing the purchase and mentioned this information in the invoice.
10. Allow Arabic language as an option for filing a complaint.
11. Use Arabic in chat. Download Saudi Expatriates application for latest updates of Saudi Arabia
12. Display products in Arabic.
13. Write a clear return or refund policy.
