Article 23 of the Saudi Commercial Court Law
المادة 23 من النظام التجاري نظام المحكمة التجارية · الفصل الثالث: في الوكيل بالعمولة المعبر عنه بالقومسيون والأمناء المأمورين بنقل الأشياء برا وبحرا
The article sets the details that must appear in the consignment note, from the description of goods and the delivery time limit and the parties' names to the fee, compensation and signature.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يوضح في قائمة الإرسالية مقدار وجنس البضائع المنقولة ونوع الطرود ومهلة إيصالها مع بيان اسم وشهرة الوكيل والأمين المتعهد بنقلها والمكارى ، واسم وشهرة من تسلم إليه البضاعة ومقدار أجرة النقل وكيفية التضمينات اللازمة على فرض عدم إيصالها في المهلة المعينة ويوقع عليها إمضاء المرسل مع رقم عدد هذه القائمة وعلامة الأشياء المرسلة بحاشيتها ثم تقيد بعينها في دفتر اليومية.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 23 explained in plain English
This article details the content of the consignment note that Article 22 required to be attached to the goods. It must state:
- The quantity and kind of goods carried and the type of packages.
- The time limit for delivering them.
- The name and well-known name of the agent and trustee who undertakes to carry them, and the carrier (the haulier).
- The name and well-known name of the person to whom the goods are handed.
- The amount of the carriage fee.
- How the compensation that is due is to be made if the goods do not arrive within the set time limit.
Then the sender's signature is placed on it, with the number of the note and the mark of the items sent in its margin, and then it is recorded verbatim in the daybook.
These details have a direct effect on rights: Article 24 makes the agent, trustee and carrier liable to ensure delivery within the time limit set in the note, so the statement of the time limit and compensation becomes the basis for a claim in case of delay.
Because the note is the main proof document in shipping, it is wise to review its details before signing, and to consult a lawyer who specializes in commercial cases if there is a dispute.
Practical example
A merchant from Al-Ahsa sent dates to Riyadh, and wrote in the consignment note the number of boxes, a three-day delivery time limit, the carriage fee and the agreed compensation in case of delay, and signed it. If the shipment is delayed, he refers to these details in making his claim.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 23 of the Saudi Commercial Court Law
What details are written in a consignment note?
The quantity, kind and package type of the goods, the delivery time limit, the names of the agent, trustee, carrier and recipient, the carriage fee and how compensation is made in case of delay.
Who signs the consignment note?
The sender signs it, with the note number and the mark of the items sent in its margin.
Is the note recorded in a book?
Yes. It is recorded verbatim in the daybook.
More articles on Commission Agent and Carriage of Goods
- Article 18
The article defines the commission agent as a person who carries on trade on behalf of another, conducting his transactions in his own name or in the name of a company for the account of his principal.
الوكيل بالعمولة هو الذي يتعاطى التجارة بالوصاية والنيابة ويجري معاملاته باسمه أو بعنوان شركة ما لحساب موكله.
- Article 19
The article gives the commission agent the right to be paid first, out of the value of goods sent to him for sale, what he spent on them, subject to conditions regarding their whereabouts.
كل وكيل بعمولة له الحق أن يتقدم في استيفاء جميع ما صرفه على أمتعة مرسلة له من محل آخر برسم البيع لحساب موكله من نفس قيمتها إذا كانت موجودة لديه أو مودعة في مخزن
- Article 20
The article makes the agent liable for any damage if he transfers the carriage of goods to another without the original merchant's permission, and he is not liable if the transfer is by the merchant or with his permission.
إذا حول الوكيل أمر نقل البضاعة والأشياء المسلمة أو المرسلة له إلى غيره بغير إذن التاجر الأصلي يضمن كل ضرر يحصل بسبب ذلك. أما إذا كان التحويل إلى الوكيل الآخر من
- Article 21
The article requires every agent and trustee to record in the daybook the kind, quantity and prices of the goods ordered to be carried by land or sea.
يجب على كل وكيل وأمين أن يقيد بدفتر اليومية جنس ومقدار وأثمان البضائع المأمور بنقلها بحرا أو برا.
- Article 22
The article requires the agent and trustee to attach a consignment note to the goods when sending them, that is, a statement that meets the specified requirements.
يجب على الوكيل والأمين حين إرسال البضاعة أن يرفق بها قائمة الإرسالية ؛ أي كشفا مستوفيا للشرائط الآتية
- Article 24
The article binds the agent, trustee and carrier to ensure delivery of goods within the time limit set in the consignment note, and they are liable for damage from delay unless the obstacle was a force majeure.
تلزم الوكيل والأمين والمكارى ضمانة إيصال البضائع المسلمة إليه في داخل المهلة المعينة في قائمة الإرسالية فكل ضرر ينشأ من تأخيره يضمنه ما لم يكن المانع قاهرا يعجز
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.