English text status

English translation published by the NBR in its bilingual Regulations file (marked unofficial). The Arabic text published in the Official Gazette remains the legal reference in the event of any discrepancy.

Practical summary

Judicial officers may enter business and related premises and Means of Transport, inspect paper and electronic records, request copies and information, take samples, question Persons and record violations and procedures. Procedures should occur with the Registrant or representative where possible, but may occur in absence with later notification.

Who should read this?

Registrants, management, warehouse, compliance, legal and accounting teams.

Why does it matter?

Inspection is a formal evidence process. Assign a response owner, maintain records, verify officer identity and authority, and provide accurate information without concealment or improvisation.

Entry, inspection and samplesPaper and electronic recordsDetailed report even in absence

Current text

Judicial officers, in performing their duties as stipulated in Article 59 of the Law, shall carry out the following procedures: 1. Enter into a Taxable Person’s Place of Business or any other places related to his business, including factories, warehouses, shops, wholesale or retail stores, enterprises and ships, for inspection and control for Tax purposes. Police officers may be used if necessary. 2. Access any Means of Transport used for transferring Goods subject to Tax. 3. Access books and records, examine documents (printed or electronic), request copies thereof and obtain the necessary information for the purpose of inspecting the Tax due and verifying the compliance of Taxable Persons. 4. Take or request a sample of any Goods found in any Means of Transport or a place used to store or transfer Goods subject to Tax. 5. Carry out all procedures to gather the necessary evidence to examine the extent of the registrant’s compliance with the provisions of the Law and Regulations, including questioning any Person regarding any violation which relates to the application of the provisions of the Law and Regulations. 6. Record violations and prepare the necessary reports in the presence of the registrant or his representative, where possible. The procedures referred to may be carried out in the absence of the registrant or his representative, provided that he is subsequently notified of the procedures carried out in his absence. 7. Any procedures carried out shall be recorded in reports, and in particular the following: 1. Date, time and place of opening and closing a report. 2. Name and identity of the author of the report, and details of the order issued to assign him as a judicial officer. 3. Name and identity of the Person against whom procedures were carried out, whether that Person is the Registrant or his representative. 4. The result of examining the place where the Goods are stored or where the Taxable Services are provided. 5. Documents indicating the price, quantity and source of Goods sold. 6. Description of the violation. 7. Procedures carried out by the judicial officer. 8. The signature of the Registrant or his representative on the report, or proof of his refusal to sign if he is present. Assessment of Net Tax

When inspection starts

  1. 1

    Verify officer identity and appointment.

  2. 2

    Assign a company representative.

  3. 3

    Provide organised accurate records.

  4. 4

    Log samples, images and copies taken or requested.

  5. 5

    Review report date, place, identities, findings, violation and procedures.

  6. 6

    Read before signature; refusal may be recorded.

  7. 7

    After an absence inspection, track later notice and response periods.

Connected provisions

Official guides and tools

Connected Madar tools

Illustrative example by Madar

Warehouse inspection without manager

An officer inspects a warehouse while the manager is absent, examines records, records procedures and the business is later notified. Absence does not automatically invalidate the procedure; the business should verify identity, report contents and documents taken, then respond accurately within any later period.

Questions to help you apply it

  • Officer and authority?
  • Places, records and samples covered?
  • Complete report details?
  • Signature or recorded refusal?
  • Later notice after absence?