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Distribution Agreement
"I need a distribution agreement for exporting electronics to Europe, specifying a 2-year term, minimum order quantity of 500 units per month, and exclusive rights in Germany and France."
What is a Distribution Agreement?
A Distribution Agreement sets out the terms between a supplier and a distributor who will sell products in specific Saudi markets. It covers how the distributor will promote, store, and deliver products while following the Kingdom's Commercial Agencies Law and Ministry of Commerce regulations.
These contracts typically outline territory rights, sales targets, pricing policies, and brand protection measures. In Saudi Arabia, distribution agreements must be registered with authorities when foreign suppliers are involved, and they often include Shariah-compliant terms about payment schedules, dispute resolution, and termination conditions. Local distributors usually get exclusive rights within defined geographic areas.
When should you use a Distribution Agreement?
Use a Distribution Agreement when expanding your product's reach into Saudi markets through local distributors. This becomes essential before allowing another company to represent, sell, or distribute your products across the Kingdom. It protects both parties by clearly defining territory rights, performance metrics, and compliance requirements.
The agreement proves particularly valuable when entering exclusive distribution arrangements, launching new product lines, or working with first-time partners in Saudi Arabia. Companies must have this agreement in place before registering with the Ministry of Commerce, especially when foreign suppliers are involved. It helps prevent disputes about sales targets, pricing policies, and territorial boundaries.
What are the different types of Distribution Agreement?
- Exclusive Distribution Contract: Grants sole rights to distribute products in specific Saudi regions, offering the strongest territorial protection
- Product Distribution Agreement: Focuses on single product lines with detailed quality control and storage requirements
- Distribution And Licensing Agreement: Combines product distribution rights with intellectual property licensing for Saudi market adaptations
- Stock Distribution Agreement: Specifically designed for inventory management and stock allocation among multiple Saudi distributors
Who should typically use a Distribution Agreement?
- Foreign Manufacturers/Suppliers: Companies outside Saudi Arabia seeking to distribute their products in the Kingdom through local partners
- Local Distributors: Saudi-registered companies handling product import, storage, marketing, and sales within approved territories
- Legal Counsel: Both in-house and external lawyers who draft and review agreements to ensure Shariah compliance and Ministry of Commerce requirements
- Commercial Agents: Registered Saudi entities acting as intermediaries between foreign suppliers and local markets
- Government Regulators: Ministry of Commerce officials who review and register distribution agreements involving foreign parties
How do you write a Distribution Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather complete legal names, commercial registration numbers, and authorized signatories of both supplier and distributor
- Territory Definition: Map out specific Saudi regions or cities where distribution rights apply
- Product Specifications: List all products, including technical details, pricing structures, and any Shariah compliance requirements
- Performance Metrics: Define minimum sales targets, inventory levels, and marketing commitments
- Compliance Requirements: Check Ministry of Commerce registration needs and ensure agreement follows Saudi Commercial Agency regulations
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound Distribution Agreement that meets all Saudi legal requirements
What should be included in a Distribution Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full legal names, commercial registration numbers, and addresses of supplier and distributor under Saudi law
- Territory Rights: Clear definition of geographic scope within Saudi Arabia, including any exclusivity provisions
- Product Details: Comprehensive list of products with specifications and Shariah-compliant terms
- Payment Terms: Islamic finance-compatible payment schedules and currency specifications
- Duration & Renewal: Clear term length and automatic renewal conditions per Saudi Commercial Agency Law
- Dispute Resolution: Saudi arbitration provisions and choice of law clauses
- Termination Rights: Specific grounds for contract termination aligned with local regulations
What's the difference between a Distribution Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
A Distribution Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in the Saudi market, though both involve product representation. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right document for your business relationship.
- Legal Authority: Distributors purchase and resell products directly, while agents represent the supplier and earn commissions without taking ownership
- Investment Scale: Distributors maintain inventory and handle logistics infrastructure, whereas agents typically have minimal investment requirements
- Risk Allocation: Distributors bear financial risks of inventory and market fluctuations, while agents face limited financial exposure
- Regulatory Requirements: Distribution Agreements need specific Ministry of Commerce registration when foreign suppliers are involved, while Agency Agreements follow stricter Commercial Agencies Law requirements
- Payment Structure: Distributors work on margin-based pricing, while agents receive commission-based compensation under Shariah-compliant terms