Article 153 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law
المادة 153 من نظام قانون الجمارك الموحد لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية · الفصل السادس: الملاحقات
The suit lapses after the settlement procedures concerning it are concluded.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تسقط الدعوى بعد انتهاء إجراءات المصالحة عليها .
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 153 explained in plain English
This article states the effect of settlement on the suit.
The rule: the suit lapses after the settlement procedures concerning it are concluded.
What this means:
- Lapse is tied to the conclusion of the settlement procedures, not to merely submitting the request or starting negotiations.
- After the settlement is concluded, the suit does not continue.
The link to the settlement: Article 152 sets the settlement amounts subject to Article 151, imposing fines that vary by type of goods: for high-duty goods from twice the duties to twice the value, for other goods from the duties to 50% of the value, for exempt goods from 10% to 50% of the value, and for prohibited goods from the value to three times it, with confiscation of the goods or their release or re-export, and confiscation of the means of transport used under conditions. When these procedures are complete, the suit lapses.
Practical significance: settlement is a way to end the case finally without a judgment, so the interested party takes care to complete its procedures in full. The article does not specify in detail what counts as the "conclusion" of the settlement procedures.
Article 154 provides that the violation and civil liability in smuggling crimes are established when the material elements are present, and the defense of good faith or ignorance is not allowed, with exemption for a person who proves force majeure or that he did not commit any act constituting the violation. A person seeking settlement would do well to consult a lawyer specializing in criminal and customs cases to make sure its procedures are completed.
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 153 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law
Does a smuggling case end by settlement?
Yes. The suit lapses after the settlement procedures concerning it are concluded.
When does the suit lapse by settlement?
After the settlement procedures are concluded, not merely by requesting it.
More articles on Collection, Settlement and Customs Courts
- Article 61Amended (1444 AH)
A committee is formed to decide the value of imported goods, and the importer may appeal to it against decisions increasing the value within 15 days, without prejudice to his right to go to court.
تشكل لجنة للفصل في القيمة من موظفي الإدارة بموجب قرار من المدير العام أو من يفوضه، وتكون مهمتها حل الخلافات التي تنشأ بين الدائرة الجمركية وأصحاب العلاقة حول قي
- Article 114
After an investigation, the Director General may impose a warning, a fine of up to SAR 5,000, suspension for up to two years or license cancellation on the agent and his representative, with a grievance allowed within 30 days.
مع مراعاة نص المادة (141 ) من هذا النظام " القانون " وعدم الإخلال بأية مسؤولية مدنية أو جزائية يقرها هذا النظام " القانون " أو أي نظام "قانون" آخر، للمدير العام
- Article 135
Those who draw up the seizure report may seize goods, concealment items, means of transport and documents, and the Director General may obtain an order for precautionary attachment of violators' funds held by third parties.
أ - يجوز لمحرري محضر الضبط حجز البضائع موضوع المخالفة أو التهريب والأشياء التي استعملت لإخفائها ووسائط النقل وضبط جميع المستندات ووضع اليد عليها؛ بغية إثبات الم
- Article 136
The Director General may by decision, where necessary and to secure the public treasury's rights, impose a customs guarantee on the funds of those liable or their partners.
يجوز بقرار من المدير العام -عند الضرورة وضمانا لحقوق الخزينة العامة- فرض تأمين جمركي على أموال المكلفين أو شركائهم.
- Article 147
The Director General may issue decisions to collect overdue duties, other fees and fixed customs fines; objection may be made to the administration within 15 days, and does not stay execution unless a bank or cash guarantee is provided.
أ - يجوز للمدير العام أن يصدر القرارات اللازمة لتحصيل الضرائب " الرسوم " الجمركية والرسوم الأخرى والغرامات الجمركية الثابتة التي تخلف المكلف عن أدائها . ب - يجو
- Article 148
Fines under Chapter Four of this Part are imposed by decision of the Director General or his delegate; the violator is notified in writing and must pay within 15 days of notification.
أ - تفرض الغرامات المنصوص عليها في الفصل الرابع من هذا الباب بقرار من المدير العام أو من يفوضه بذلك . ب - يبلغ المخالف أو من يمثله بالغرامة المفروضة عليه بموجب
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.