Saudi Arabia Proposes Tough New Penalties for Illegal Pesticides: Up to 5 Years Jail, SR 10M Fine

Saudi Arabia Moves to Toughen Penalties for Banned and Counterfeit Pesticides

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a draft regulatory overhaul proposing severely heightened penalties for the manufacture, import, or distribution of banned or counterfeit pesticides. Announced by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the amendments aim to protect public health, agriculture, and the environment from hazardous chemicals with a strong deterrent framework.

Proposed Penalties: Jail Time and Heavy Fines

Under the draft amendments to the GCC Pesticides Law, violators could face:

• Up to five years in prison.

• Fines of up to SR 10 million (approx. $2.7 million USD).

• Both imprisonment and a fine.

These measures target the illegal circulation of pesticides that threaten agricultural integrity, ecosystems, and human health.

A Two-Tiered Penalty System for Proportional Enforcement

The draft introduces a tiered system to ensure fairness:

• Minor Breaches: Administrative non-compliance with minimal risk will first receive a formal warning and a chance to rectify the issue.

• Severe Offenses: The manufacture or import of banned or counterfeit pesticides will trigger the maximum criminal and financial penalties.

• Repeat Offenders: Violations recurring within three years could see fines doubled.

This structure aims to punish serious violators harshly while allowing corrective action for lesser infractions.

Expanded Enforcement and Violator Responsibilities

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) will gain an expanded role, reviewing violations and recommending penalties for "public health pesticides."

Authorities will also have the power to:

• Order the destruction or re-export of illegal pesticides at the violator's expense.

• Temporarily close facilities for up to six months, or order permanent shutdowns for egregious cases.

Violators will retain the right to appeal decisions before the Administrative Court.

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Aligning with Global Trends and Vision 2030

This crackdown aligns with global trends towards stricter chemical controls and domestic goals under Saudi Vision 2030. It follows recent regulatory toughening in related sectors, such as food safety, where similar severe penalties have been established.

Officials emphasize that beyond punishment, the goal is to promote safe, sustainable agriculture by ensuring farmers use certified, scientifically-vetted products. This supports food security, crop yields, and broader environmental and public health objectives.

By proposing these stringent measures, Saudi Arabia signals a robust commitment to regulating its agricultural inputs and protecting its people and environment from the dangers of illicit pesticides.