Conditions for importing biological control agents in Saudi Arabia and the ban on genetically modified organisms

In a significant regulatory step aimed at enhancing biosecurity and agricultural security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) announced the adoption of a new guide for registering biological control agents. This guide establishes a clear regulatory framework for the import, production, and use of these organisms, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to achieve agricultural sustainability and protect the environment.

General context: The shift towards biological control

These regulations come at a time when the entire world is moving towards more sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides. “Biological enemies” are defined as living organisms, such as predatory insects, parasites, or pathogens, used to control agricultural pest populations naturally. This approach, known as biological control, is a cornerstone of integrated pest management (IPM) programs, as it reduces reliance on chemicals, maintains ecological balance, and contributes to safer and healthier crop production.

Like other countries with ambitious agricultural plans, the Kingdom faces ongoing challenges from pests that threaten its strategic crops such as dates and vegetables. Therefore, regulating the import and release of beneficial insects ensures the use of effective and safe species that do not pose a threat to local biodiversity or themselves become invasive pests.

The 7 most important requirements for import and production

The “Prevention” guide outlines a set of strict conditions and standards that entities wishing to import or produce biological control agents must adhere to, most notably:

1. Obtaining prior authorization: No biological agent may be imported or produced without obtaining official approval and permission from the “Prevention” Center after the technical file has been studied by a specialized committee.
2. The approved positive list: The imported organism must be naturally present in the local Saudi environment, or it must be included in the positive list that is approved and updated by the center periodically.
3. Banning genetically modified organisms: The guide categorically prohibits the importation, production, or use of any genetically modified biological enemy, in order to protect local ecosystems from any unforeseen impacts.
4. Comprehensive risk assessment: Requires the submission of a complete technical file detailing the targeted pest, biological enemy, and an accurate assessment of potential risks to human and animal health and biodiversity.
5. Quality and purity assurance: Producers must adhere to strict quality standards to ensure that products are free from any contaminants or non-target organisms that may harm the environment.
6. Safe packaging: The packaging must be designed in a way that ensures the safety of living organisms during transport and storage, with a clear identification label containing all the necessary information.
7. Post-release monitoring and tracking: The importer or producer is committed to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the biological control agent in the field, and ensuring that there are no unexpected negative effects on the surrounding environment.

Importance and expected impact

This regulatory step has multiple strategic dimensions. Locally, it will contribute to protecting the agricultural sector from pests using environmentally friendly methods, supporting farmers by providing safe and effective solutions, and enhancing consumer confidence in domestic agricultural products. It also opens the door to the growth of a local sector specializing in the production and propagation of beneficial insects, creating new investment and employment opportunities.

Regionally, these measures position the Kingdom among the leading countries in biosecurity and sustainable agriculture, and could serve as a model for other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with similar environmental and agricultural conditions. Internationally, this commitment to rigorous standards enhances the reputation of Saudi agricultural products in global markets and underscores the Kingdom's alignment with international agreements and standards related to biodiversity protection and plant health.