SAUDI EXPATRIATES

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced that it has suggested updating the penalties article under the Pesticides Law applied in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

According to the draft regulation, if a violation is considered minor and does not cause serious harm to humans, animals, plants, the environment, or public health, the violator will first receive a warning. A grace period will also be given to correct the violation. Read: Special pathways for elderly and disabled individuals in Makkah Grand Mosque

The draft clearly states that anyone who manufactures or imports banned or counterfeit pesticides may face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to SR10,000,000, or one of these two penalties. The Public Prosecution will investigate these violations and refer cases to the competent court to enforce the penalties. If the offender repeats the violation, the Public Prosecution may double the penalty.

The draft also explained that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is responsible for reviewing violations related to public health pesticides. The SFDA will impose penalties and approve them through its president or an authorized official.

The ministry and the SFDA may require the violator to correct the violation when they apply penalties. Repeated offenses may result in a doubled fine. A violation is considered a repeat offense if it happens within three years of the previous violation.

The draft added that all materials involved in the violation will either be destroyed by a specialized chemical disposal company or re-exported to the country of origin. In both cases, the violator will bear the cost. In addition to financial penalties, the facility where the violation occurred may be temporarily closed for up to six months or permanently shut down. See also: Saudi Banks announces a new service fee for individuals

The draft also allows violators to appeal penalty decisions before the Administrative Court, in accordance with its regulations.