Article 11 of the Saudi Counter-Terrorism Law Implementing Regulations
المادة 11 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام مكافحة جرائم الإرهاب وتمويله
The article empowers the General Authority of Customs to apply Article 17 of the Law where terrorism financing is suspected, to ask the person carrying funds for information, to draw up a report, and to take additional measures.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- تقوم الهيئة العامة للجمارك -وفقاً لصلاحياتها المقرة نظاماً- بتطبيق الأحكام الواردة في المادة (السابعة عشرة) من النظام، عند الاشتباه بحالة تمويل إرهاب، سواء قُدّم إقرار صحيح أو كاذب، أو لم يُقدم.
2- تطلب الهيئة العامة للجمارك من حامل أي من العملات، أو الأدوات القابلة للتداول لحاملها، أو السبائك الذهبية، أو المعادن الثمينة، أو الأحجار الكريمة، أو المجوهرات المشغولة، المشتبه بها بحالة تمويل الإرهاب -إن وجد-؛ أي معلومة تراها ضرورية؛ كمصدرها، أو الغرض منها، أو أي معلومة أخرى.
3- تُعد الهيئة العامة للجمارك محضراً بالحالة يتضمن أسباب الاشتباه، وقائمة بالمضبوطات، وأي معلومة أخرى ذات صلة وما تم في شأن هذه الحالة من إجراءات.
4- تتخذ الهيئة العامة للجمارك ما تراه من تدابير إضافية لضمان قيامها بمهماتها ذات الصلة بمكافحة تمويل الإرهاب.
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 11 explained in plain English
This article deals with the role of the General Authority of Customs where terrorism financing is suspected in funds and valuables passing through points of entry.
- Scope of application: Customs, within its powers under the Law, applies the provisions of Article (17) of the Law where a case of terrorism financing is suspected, whether a true or false declaration was made or none was made. That is, making a true declaration does not prevent the application of these provisions if there is suspicion.
- Requesting information: Customs asks the person carrying the suspected currencies, bearer negotiable instruments, gold bars, precious metals, precious stones or worked jewelry for any information it considers necessary, such as its source or purpose.
- The report: Customs draws up a report of the case including the grounds for suspicion, a list of the items seized, any relevant information, and the measures taken.
- Additional measures: Customs may take whatever measures it sees fit to ensure that it carries out its tasks in combating terrorism financing.
The available text does not set out Article 17 of the Law, and does not specify particular amounts that must be declared. A traveler found with funds or jewelry should consult a lawyer specialized in criminal cases.
Practical example
A traveler carrying gold bars through a land port made a true declaration of them, but grounds for suspicion appeared to Customs. Customs asks him for information about their source and purpose, and draws up a report of the grounds for suspicion and the list of the items seized.
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 11 of the Saudi Counter-Terrorism Law Implementing Regulations
Does a true declaration protect against Customs measures where there is suspicion?
No, Customs applies the provisions where terrorism financing is suspected whether a true or false declaration was made or none was made.
What may Customs ask the traveler about?
Any information it considers necessary about the suspected funds, metals or jewelry, such as their source or purpose.
What does a Customs report contain?
The grounds for suspicion, a list of the items seized, any relevant information, and the measures taken.
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.

