Shopify.com is a powerhouse in the e-commerce world, providing a platform that allows individuals and businesses to easily create, customize, and manage online stores. Since its founding in 2006, Shopify has grown into one of the most popular e-commerce solutions globally, empowering millions of entrepreneurs and companies across various industries. Shopify’s user-friendly interface stands out as one of its key strengths, enabling anyone—regardless of technical expertise—to launch and operate a professional online store.
For small and growing businesses, Shopify’s features are especially valuable. The platform offers customisable templates, mobile-friendly designs, integrated payment options, and efficient inventory management, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale their operations online. In Saudi Arabia (KSA), where digital shopping demand is rising rapidly, Shopify provides a robust foundation for brands to increase their visibility and reach new customers. As of November 2024, there are more than 3,000 Shopify stores in KSA alone, demonstrating the platform’s popularity in the region .
However, e-commerce growth in KSA also brings new compliance requirements, as the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has introduced a phased e-invoicing mandate known as the “ZATCA Waves.” These waves guide businesses through the steps needed to adopt e-invoicing, aiming to improve financial transparency across sectors and increase oversight of the digital economy. Here’s a quick look at the current waves:
Wave 1 (December 4, 2021) – Generation Phase: This phase required all taxpayers to start generating and storing electronic invoices, including simplified and tax invoices. Businesses had to adopt compliant e-invoicing solutions capable of creating digital invoices, adding required fields like QR codes, and securely storing them electronically. This phase set the foundation for future compliance standards.
Wave 2 (January 1, 2023) – Integration Phase: This phase required large taxpayers with revenues over SAR 3 billion to integrate their e-invoicing systems with ZATCA’s platform, enabling real-time data transmission for enhanced oversight. By centralizing invoice data, ZATCA aims to streamline transaction monitoring and reporting.
Subsequent Waves: Following Wave 2, ZATCA is gradually extending integration requirements to smaller businesses over time. Each wave targets a new group of taxpayers, based on revenue thresholds, ensuring that the mandate scales in a manageable way.
The following table outlines the active phases in the ZATCA Waves:
Wave Revenue Threshold Deadline
1-9 More than SAR 30 Million Deadline Passed
10 More than SAR 25 Million 31 December 2024
11 More than SAR 15 Million 31 January 2025
12 More than SAR 10 Million 28 February 2025
13 More than SAR 7 Million 31 March 2025
14 More than SAR 5 Million 30 April 2025
15 More than SAR 4 Million 31 May 2025
16 More than SAR 3 Million 30 June 2025
17 More than SAR 2.5 Million 31 July 2025
As ZATCA lowers the revenue thresholds with each wave, more small and medium-sized businesses on Shopify will find themselves required to comply with the e-invoicing mandate. For Shopify entrepreneurs in KSA, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While compliance with ZATCA’s mandate is essential to avoid potential penalties, it also requires a seamless and effective e-invoicing solution—something that many Shopify stores currently lack.
Recognizing this need, Marmin.ai has developed an integrated ZATCA-compliant solution specifically for Shopify businesses. Our platform is designed with small and medium enterprises in mind, allowing them to comply with ZATCA’s requirements without a hitch. Marmin.ai’s Shopify integration supports:
- Data localization and encryption for secure invoice storage
- Real-time invoice submission to ZATCA, meeting regulatory deadlines
- QR-enabled B2C and B2B invoices that are compliant as per ZATCA’s mandates
- Flexible invoicing options, including sending invoices via email, SMS, or printing from a Shopify POS app
By automating these essential processes, Marmin.ai helps Shopify businesses stay legally compliant while enhancing their operational efficiency. Our SaaS platform not only ensures data security but also simplifies financial reporting, freeing up time for business owners to focus on growth instead of administrative hassles.
With Marmin.ai’s seamless integration, Shopify businesses in KSA can embrace the benefits of digital transformation, effortlessly meet ZATCA’s e-invoicing requirements, and maintain a strong footing in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.
Reach us at hello@marmin.ai or Book a Demo