Article 11 of the Saudi Private Laboratories Law
المادة 11 من نظام المختبرات الخاصة
The article sets the penalties for violating the Private Laboratories Law: a warning, a fine of SAR 5,000 to 20,000, suspension of the licence for 30 to 60 days, or its withdrawal in case of repetition.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
مع عدم الإخلال بأي عقوبة أشد تقضي بِها الأنظِمة الأُخرى، يُعاقب بواحدة أو أكثر مِن العقوبات الآتية، كُل من يُخالِف حُكمًا من أحكام هذا النظام :
1 - الإنذار .
2 - غرامة مالية لا تقِل عن خمسة آلاف ريال، ولا تزيد على عشرين ألف ريال.
3 - وقف الترخيص لمُدة لا تقِل عن ثلاثين يومًا، ولا تزيد على ستين يومًا.
4 - سحب الترخيص في حالة العود.
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 is the general penalty article in the Law, and it applies to anyone who violates a provision of it.
The violator is punished with one or more of the following penalties, that is, they may be combined:
- A warning.
- A fine of not less than SAR 5,000 and not more than SAR 20,000.
- Suspension of the licence for a period of not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days.
- Withdrawal of the licence in case of repetition, that is, when the violation is repeated.
The article begins with the phrase "without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided for by other laws", which means these penalties do not prevent applying a more severe penalty if another law provides for it.
Among the provisions whose violation may occur is what Article 10 sets out on drawing samples, delivering them and returning results within set periods. Article 12 also sets delay fines specific to late renewal of the licence and the laboratory's delay in giving the result. A person facing a violation under this Law can consult a lawyer specializing in administrative cases.
Practical example
A private laboratory in Khobar disclosed test results to unauthorized persons. It may be punished with a warning, or a fine between SAR 5,000 and 20,000, or suspension of its licence for 30 to 60 days, or more than one of these penalties. If the violation is repeated, its licence may be withdrawn.
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 Private Laboratories Law
What is the penalty for violating the Private Laboratories Law?
One or more of: a warning, a fine of SAR 5,000 to 20,000, suspension of the licence for 30 to 60 days, or withdrawal of the licence in case of repetition.
When is a laboratory's licence withdrawn?
The article provides for withdrawing the licence in case of repetition, that is, repeating the violation.
Can a more severe penalty from another law apply?
Yes. The article applies without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided for by other laws.
More articles on Penalties for Violating the Private Laboratories Law
- Article 12
The article imposes a delay fine of SAR 1,000 for each year of delay in renewing the licence, and a fine equal to the testing costs if the laboratory is late in giving the result.
تُطبق غرامة التأخير وفق ما يأتي : 1 - ألف ريال عن كُل سنة تأخير عند تجديد الترخيص، ويكون التجديد من تاريخ انتِهاء الترخيص. 2 - غرامة مساوية لتكاليف الاختبار محل
- Article 15
The article makes the Board of Grievances competent to adjudicate suits for violating the Private Laboratories Law and to impose penalties.
يختص ديوان المظالِم بالفصل في دعوى المُخالفة لهذا النِظام، وتوقيع العقوبات.
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.