Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce emphasized that prices of products in the market must be inclusive of value-added tax (VAT). The displayed prices of goods shall be final prices and should reflect the same in the cashier’s computer system, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday, quoting the ministry sources.

The ministry explained that the prices displayed on the shelf must be inclusive of VAT, and be the same in the purchase invoice. “If it is found that the price tag or the shelf price is different from the final price charged by the cashier, a complaint can be launched against the establishment,” the ministry said.

Citing an example, the ministry indicated that in the event that a consumer purchases a commodity offered at a value of SR100 according to the price tag on the shelf, it must be tax-inclusive and the final purchase invoice should not exceed SR100. If the establishment charges another amount in tax from the buyer, this must be notified to the General Authority for Zakat and Income Tax (GAZT) by calling its communications center on the number 19993.

The ministry urged all consumers to lodge complaints with it against stores and commercial centers that do not display VAT-inclusive prices on commodities through the Balagh Tijari application or the Consumer Reports Center on the number of 1900.