Article 5 of the Saudi Security Surveillance Cameras Law
المادة 5 من نظام استخدام كاميرات المراقبة الأمنية
The article prohibits manufacturing, importing, selling, installing, operating or maintaining security surveillance cameras until the Ministry of Interior's approvals are obtained under the regulations' procedures.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا تجوز ممارسة نشاط تصنيع أو استيراد كاميرات المراقبة الأمنية -المنصوص عليها في النظام- أو بيعها أو تركيبها أو تشغيلها أو صيانتها، إلا بعد أخذ الموافقات اللازمة من الوزارة، وفق الإجراءات 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 5 explained in plain English
This article regulates the commercial and technical activities connected with the cameras themselves. It prohibits carrying on any of the following activities relating to the security surveillance cameras covered by the Law:
- Manufacturing.
- Importing.
- Selling.
- Installing.
- Operating.
- Maintaining.
except after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Interior, under the procedures set by the regulations. The article does not state the details of these procedures or the documents required; they are left to the regulations.
The rule is limited to security surveillance cameras in the sense of Article 1, whose definition does not include cameras that individuals place inside private housing units and complexes.
The article is connected to Article 4, which requires those subject to the Law to install the devices, maintain them and run them around the clock, and to Article 6, which prohibits installing cameras in certain places, such as bathrooms and changing rooms.
If you plan to open a business selling or installing cameras, you may consult a lawyer specialized in commercial and administrative matters to learn the approval requirements.
Practical example
Saad wants to open a shop in Abha selling and installing surveillance cameras for stores. Under this article, he may not carry on selling or installing until he obtains the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Interior under the procedures set by the 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 5 of the Saudi Security Surveillance Cameras Law
Do I need approval to sell surveillance cameras?
Yes, security surveillance cameras covered by the Law may not be sold until the necessary approvals are obtained from the Ministry of Interior.
Which activities need the Ministry of Interior's approval?
Manufacturing, importing, selling, installing, operating and maintaining security surveillance cameras.
What are the procedures for obtaining approval?
The article refers to the procedures set by the regulations without detailing them.
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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.