Sources reviewed
The Saudi legal rule
Where quantity is specified and the contract leaves a discrepancy unresolved, the rule distinguishes unit sales from indivisible goods sold for one total price. A shortage defeating the buyer’s purpose may justify rescission if the buyer would have declined the sale. The specified rescission and price claims have a one-year period from delivery. [1]
What the records establish
For rolls sold by weight, check packaging tare, scale calibration and rounding. Separate a dockside shortage from waste arising after stock entered production. Preserve the unloading weight record linked to the shipment number in digital form for production. An extract carries the record’s evidentiary weight to the extent it matches that record. [4]
Likely defence and next step
A dispatch weighbridge ticket may support the supplier. Match vehicle and seal numbers and independently weigh unopened loads. Calculate the price difference separately from the impact on the intended use.
Applicability on 2026-10-30
Published on 19 June 2023, the law took effect on 17 December 2023. [2][3] It applies to commercial transactions where compatible with their nature and no special commercial provision governs. For earlier events, check whether a party invokes a conflicting applicable provision or judicial principle, or a time bar had already begun to run before commencement. [2]
Sources
- نظام المعاملات المدنية | Saudi Civil Transactions Law 323
- مرسوم الإصدار ونفاذ النظام | Promulgation and commencement Royal Decree M/191, clauses V–VI; Civil Transactions Law, art. 721
- أم القرى | Official Gazette Cabinet Resolution 820, publication on 1444-12-01 AH
- نظام الإثبات | Evidence Law 54, 60, 63(1)
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