Article 14 of the Saudi Competition Law
المادة 14 من نظام المنافسة
The article places the reasoned decision on inquiry, investigation, initiating a criminal case or closing a file on competition violations with the Board, and lets the Chairman or Governor act in urgent cases.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يصدر المجلس قراره بالموافقة على اتخاذ إجراءات التقصي والبحث وجمع الاستدلالات بالنسبة إلى الشكاوى والمبادرات المتعلقة بمخالفة أحكام النظام، والتحقيق فيها، وتحريك الدعوى الجزائية، أو الحفظ على أن يكون مسبباً.
2- للرئيس أو المحافظ -في الحالات العاجلة- أن يصدر قراراً باتخاذ إجراءات التقصي والبحث وجمع الاستدلالات أو التحقيق في الممارسات المخلة بالمنافسة، على أن يعرض القرار على المجلس في أول اجتماع تالٍ لصدوره.
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 14 explained in plain English
This article shows who decides to start proceedings on violations of the Competition Law.
The rule: a decision of the Board
The Board of the Authority issues its decision approving:
- Taking inquiry, research and evidence-gathering measures.
- Investigation.
- Initiating a criminal case.
- Or closing the file.
This applies to complaints (submitted by others) and initiatives (started by the Authority) concerning a violation of the provisions of the Law. The text requires that the decision be reasoned.
The exception: urgent cases
In urgent cases, the Chairman or the Governor may issue a decision to take inquiry, research and evidence-gathering measures or to investigate anti-competitive practices, provided the decision is presented to the Board at the first meeting after it is issued. Note that for urgent cases the text does not mention initiating a case or closing the file.
Article 15 specifies the employees who carry out inquiry, evidence gathering, enforcement, investigation and prosecution, and their powers. This article does not explain how to submit a complaint or its time limits, so reference is made to the Regulations and the approved procedures.
Anyone who wants to file a complaint or has received a notice of investigation is advised to consult a lawyer specialized in competition and commercial cases.
Practical example
The owner of an auto parts shop in Riyadh filed a complaint with the Authority stating that the main suppliers all refused to deal with him after a dispute with one of them. The Board issues a reasoned decision either approving inquiry, evidence gathering and investigation, or closing the complaint.
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 14 of the Saudi Competition Law
Who decides to investigate a complaint submitted to the competition authority?
The Board of the Authority issues a reasoned decision on inquiry, evidence gathering and investigation, initiating a criminal case, or closing the file.
Can a complaint be closed?
Yes. Closing the file is one of the decisions the Board issues, and the decision must be reasoned.
Can an investigation start without waiting for a Board meeting?
In urgent cases the Chairman or the Governor may issue a decision for inquiry or investigation, provided it is presented to the Board at the first meeting after it is issued.
More articles on Investigating Competition Violations
- Article 15
The article gives employees designated by the Board judicial police status and the right to enter establishments, inspect their documents and prove violations by all means, in addition to investigation and prosecution.
يتولى موظفون يحددهم المجلس ما يأتي: 1- إجراء التقصي والبحث وجمع الاستدلالات وضبط ما يقع من مخالفات لأحكام النظام، وتكون لهم صفة الضبطية القضائية، ولهم الحق في د
- Article 16
The article prohibits establishments from obstructing enforcement officers or investigators, withholding information, misleading them, or hiding or destroying documents, and lets the Authority call on security bodies.
1- يحظر على أي منشأة منع مأمور الضبط أو المحقق من أداء مهمة مكلف بها وفق الصلاحيات المخولة له بموجب النظام، أو حجب معلومات عنه، أو الإدلاء بمعلومات مضللة، أو إخ
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.