Saudi Arabia's draft pesticide regulation proposes heavy fines, jail for making or importing fake products. Check the draft rules

Synopsis

Saudi Arabia is set to implement a stringent new law targeting counterfeit pesticides, proposing jail terms of up to five years and SR10 million fines for serious violations. The regulation aims to protect public health and the environment, with authorities empowered to act decisively against offenders, including repeat violators.

Saudi Arabia is planning to frame a strict law to check import and production of counterfeit pesticides. As per reports by Gulf Times and Khaleej Times, the Kingdom is planning to draft a new regulation that proposes jail terms, steep fines and tougher enforcement. The rules aim to protect public health, agriculture and the environment, while giving authorities clearer powers to act against repeat offenders. The proposal signals a tougher approach as the Kingdom seeks to stop harmful pesticides from entering or circulating in the market.

5 Year Prison, 10 million riyal penalties for serious violations

Under the draft regulation, anyone found manufacturing or importing banned or counterfeit pesticides could face up to five years in prison, fines of up to SR10 million, or both. The Public Prosecution will investigate violations and refer cases to the competent court to enforce penalties laid out in the regulation.

The draft takes a harder line on repeat offenders. If the same violation happens again, the prosecution can double the penalties. As per reports, this step is meant to strengthen compliance and act as a strong deterrent against repeated breaches.

Softer approach towards minor offenses

The draft also makes room for a softer approach in less serious cases. If a violation is considered minor and does not cause significant harm to humans, animals, plants, the environment or public health, the violator will first receive a warning.

In such cases, authorities may give a grace period to fix the issue before moving to fines or other penalties. This provision is meant to focus enforcement on serious risks while allowing corrections for smaller lapses.

How Saudi Kingdom plans to enforce the strict law

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) will have the power to look after cases linked to public health pesticides. Under the draft, the SFDA will be responsible for reviewing violations, applying relevant regulations and imposing penalties. Final approval for penalties will come from the SFDA president or an authorised official.

Alongside this, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture can direct violators to remove the cause of the violation. Any repeat offence within three years of a previous case will be treated as a repeat violation, opening the door to doubled fines.

The draft also spells out clear steps for dealing with banned or counterfeit pesticides involved in violations. These materials can be destroyed by a certified chemical disposal company or re-exported to the country of origin. In both cases, the violator must bear all related costs.

Beyond financial penalties, authorities can also order the temporary closure of a facility for up to six months. In severe cases, permanent closure is allowed. Those penalised under the regulation will have the right to challenge the decision in the Administrative Court, following the court’s established procedures.