«التجارة»: 4 فئات مستثناة من الالتزام بالقيد في السجلات التجارية

The Ministry of Commerce revealed in a recent report (which "Okaz" has reviewed) that 7 categories are exempt from the obligation to register in the commercial registry, as part of its efforts to facilitate the practice of commercial activities and support entrepreneurs, productive families, and micro-enterprises.

The ministry clarified that the exempted categories include those engaged in temporary seasonal commercial activities who have obtained a license from the relevant authority, in addition to street vendors and those operating through licensed vehicles or mobile carts from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. The exemption also includes productive families registered with the Social Development Bank, as well as micro-enterprises operating through business incubators licensed by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha'at).

Violations of Non-Compliant Entities

The Ministry of Commerce has warned non-compliant entities with the commercial registry system of imposing fines for practicing commercial activities without registration in the commercial registry for non-exempt categories, and for failing to update the registered data within the specified period upon any change or amendment. Additionally, it is considered a violation if the trader does not provide an annual confirmation of the accuracy of the registered data, and if the basic data is not displayed through the unified electronic code issued by the Saudi Center for Economic Activities in a clear location inside and outside the establishment.

The ministry added that providing incorrect data in the commercial registry that leads to misleading is also a clear violation, in addition to failing to provide the bank account details to the ministry within the legally specified period from the date of registration or upon any update.

Amount of Penalties

The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that violating the provisions of the commercial registry system necessitates imposing financial penalties, as a financial fine of up to 50,000 riyals will be applied in the event of a proven violation, with the possibility of doubling the fine in case of repetition.

The ministry clarified that these penalties aim to ensure compliance with commercial laws and to enhance a safe and organized business environment that supports sustainable economic growth in the Kingdom.

It indicated that anyone who has received a decision based on the provisions of the system has the right to appeal it before the competent court within 30 days from the date of notification.

Violations of Trade Names

The Ministry of Commerce outlined the cases in which non-compliance is considered a violation of the trade names system, confirming that this includes the trader's failure to display their trade name in their official documents, correspondence, or publications, as well as not displaying it on the facade of the place where the commercial activity is conducted.

The ministry added that failing to register a new trade name within the legally specified period as a replacement for a canceled trade name is considered a violation, along with using the trade name in a manner that contravenes the provisions of the system or leads to misleading. It also noted that using a trade name without registering it in the commercial registry, or using a reserved or registered trade name belonging to another trader, constitutes violations that warrant legal accountability.