Commerce Ministry conducts 383,000 inspections, handles 443,000 consumer reports in 2026

RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce conducted 383,000 inspection visits and handled 443,000 consumer protection reports during the first nine months of 2026, as it expanded the use of artificial intelligence in regulatory and enforcement operations.The ministry also launched 58 recall campaigns covering 222,410 vehicles and 8,508 other products through September.As part of efforts to enhance regulatory efficiency, the ministry began using artificial intelligence to process commercial reports and direct inspection activities. It also strengthened the implementation of risk-based supervision in the precious metals and gemstones sector.In efforts to combat commercial concealment, involving 13 government entities, more than 34,000 inspection visits were conducted through September 2026.Data showed that authorities recorded 1,066 initial suspected cases of commercial concealment and 77 violations of market rules during the period.The National Program for Combating Commercial Concealment has also begun using artificial intelligence to develop a commercial concealment indicator.The program is developing an electronic system to report suspected concealment cases and direct inspection teams, while regulations governing the correction of the status of violators of the Anti-Concealment Law have also been issued.