Commerce Ministry Runs 2,259 School Supply Checks

The Ministry of Commerce carried out 2,259 inspection tours of school supply outlets — including bookstores and stationery shops — across all regions of Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year. Schools are set to open on Sunday, 23 August 2026 (10 Rabi I 1448 AH).

The field campaign focused on ensuring that notebooks, bags, stationery, and alternative products are readily available, with no supply shortages at outlets serving families as the new term approaches. Inspectors also monitored price stability to guard against any unjustified increases on school essentials.

During the visits, teams verified that every item carried a clear price tag or was listed in an electronic pricing system, and checked that on-shelf prices matched checkout prices with no hidden or misleading charges. The tours also examined the legitimacy of advertised discounts to confirm compliance with discount regulations.

Outlets found in violation — such as price manipulation, fake discounts, missing price tags, or consumer fraud — are subject to administrative sanctions and penalties under the applicable commercial and consumer protection rules. Merchants are required to correct violations and may face fines, closure orders, or public naming under anti-concealment and anti-fraud regulations.

For families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities, the campaign aims to support a smoother back-to-school shopping season by improving transparency, keeping essentials in stock, and helping parents avoid inflated prices during a period of high demand.

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