Article 31 of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Establishments Law
المادة 31 من نظام المنشآت والمستحضرات الصيدلانية والعشبية
This article subjects advertising of pharmaceutical and herbal products to the controls set by the Implementing Regulations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يخضع الإعلان عن المستحضرات الصيدلانية والعشبية للضوابط التي تحددها اللائحة.
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 31 explained in plain English
This article regulates advertising of pharmaceutical and herbal products with a single rule: advertising is subject to the controls set by the Regulations, meaning the Law's Implementing Regulations.
In practice, this means:
- Advertising these products is not left without restriction; it is subject to controls.
- The Law itself does not state these controls but refers their detail to the Regulations. Anyone wishing to advertise a product consults the Regulations to learn what is and is not permitted.
- The rule covers both kinds: medicines and herbal products, which under Article 1 are plants or herbs with a medical claim prepared in pharmaceutical form.
The text is general as to the advertiser; it does not limit the rule to the factory, warehouse or pharmacy, so it covers anyone who advertises these products. It also does not specify a particular means of advertising.
This article comes after Article 30, which requires the factory to apply good manufacturing practice principles, and before Article 32, which makes the liquidation of a pharmaceutical establishment follow the Regulations' procedures.
To see how this rule affects a particular situation, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in health and pharmaceutical regulation.
Practical example
The owner of an online store in Riyadh wants to publish ads on social media for an herbal product that has a medical claim. In her advertising she must comply with the controls set by the Law's Implementing Regulations.
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 31 of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Establishments Law
Can medicines be advertised in Saudi Arabia?
The article subjects advertising of pharmaceutical and herbal products to the controls set by the Regulations, and does not ban it outright.
Where do I find the controls on advertising herbal products?
In the Law's Implementing Regulations, to which the article refers.
Does the rule cover advertising of medicinal herbs?
Yes. The text covers pharmaceutical and herbal products.
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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.