The industry is conducting 1,356 field visits to factories to promote compliance
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, represented by the Industrial Services and Compliance Agency, revealed the results of its inspection tours during December, during which field teams conducted 1,356 visits to various industrial facilities across the Kingdom. These intensive efforts are part of the Ministry's strategy to ensure factories adhere to the standards and requirements necessary for conducting industrial activity, and to guarantee the implementation of regulations that ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Comprehensive geographical distribution of inspection tours
The Ministry's official spokesperson, Jarrah bin Mohammed Al-Jarrah, explained the geographical distribution of these visits, with the Riyadh region topping the list with 660 visits, followed by the Eastern Province with 530, reflecting the industrial weight of these two regions. The tours also included 80 visits to Makkah, 30 to the Northern Borders region, 21 to Qassim, and 12 to Tabuk, in addition to scattered visits to Asir, Madinah, Jazan, and Hail. This broad geographical coverage aims to enforce effective oversight that ensures fair competition in the industrial sector and allows for the necessary legal action to be taken against violating establishments.
Strategic context and the importance of industrial compliance
These field visits are of paramount importance when viewed within the context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which positions the industrial sector as a cornerstone for diversifying the national economy away from oil. Achieving the objectives of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) requires a high-quality investment environment characterized by transparency and compliance with regulations. Therefore, the Ministry's role extends beyond oversight to include an enabling role aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving the quality of national products to compete in global markets.
Strict requirements to ensure quality and safety
The Ministry emphasized the necessity for establishments to obtain all required licenses, starting with the industrial license, then the environmental permit and location permits, and finally the safety and operating licenses. Regarding sensitive industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, the Ministry stressed the mandatory requirement to obtain licenses from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and certificates of conformity from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. These requirements are not merely routine procedures, but rather safeguards that ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality products to the end consumer.
Economic impact and strengthening the investment environment
The continuation of these field visits and the rectification of factory conditions, especially those located outside industrial cities, directly contributes to strengthening sector governance. This regulatory discipline sends positive messages to local and international investors about the Kingdom's commitment to creating a fair and well-regulated investment environment. Furthermore, adherence to environmental and safety standards reduces operational risks and enhances the sustainability of the industrial sector, thus supporting the national economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for citizens across the Kingdom.
