Article 12 of the Saudi Standards and Quality Law
المادة 12 من نظام المواصفات والجودة · الباب الرابع: مراجعة وتطبيق المواصفة السعودية والوثيقة ذات الصلة
The Authority must review the Saudi standard and related document periodically or at the request of relevant bodies, and the review may end in updating, suspending or withdrawing them.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- تقوم الهيئة بمراجعة المواصفة السعودية والوثيقة ذات الصلة دوريًّا أو بناءً على طلب أي من الجهات ذات العلاقة.
2- يجوز أن تؤدي المراجعات الواردة في الفقرة (1) من هذه المادة إلى تحديث أو تعليق أو سحب المواصفة المعنية أو الوثيقة ذات الصلة.
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 12 explained in plain English
Standards are not fixed forever; technology develops and requirements change. This article therefore regulates the review of standards.
1. When does the review take place?
- Periodically, on the Authority's initiative.
- Or at the request of any of the relevant bodies, which under Article 1 are the government agencies and the private sector concerned with the standard.
The article does not specify how often the periodic review occurs or the form of the request.
2. What are the possible results of the review? The review may lead to:
- Updating the standard or the related document.
- Suspending it.
- Withdrawing it; withdrawal, under Article 1, is cancelling the adoption or approval of the standard or document, with its consequences.
The review may also end without any change, because the text says "may".
Practical effect: a company or government body concerned with a product has the right to ask the Authority to review a standard it considers outdated or unsuitable. Manufacturers should also follow any updates or withdrawals affecting the standards for their products.
It is linked to Article 13, which shows that applying the standard is voluntary in principle. Someone who wishes to submit a review request may consult a lawyer who specializes in commercial cases.
Practical example
An association of manufacturers in the Eastern Province believes that a Saudi standard for an electronic product no longer keeps pace with modern technology. Under the article, as one of the relevant bodies it has the right to ask the Authority to review the standard, and the review may end in updating, suspending or withdrawing it.
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 12 of the Saudi Standards and Quality Law
Can a review of a Saudi standard be requested?
Yes. The Authority reviews the standard periodically or at the request of any of the relevant bodies.
What is the result of reviewing a standard?
The review may lead to updating the standard, suspending it or withdrawing it.
More articles on Reviewing and Applying a Standard
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.