New explosives regulations: import requirements, transport controls, and disposal procedures
In a move aimed at strengthening public safety and security, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has published the executive regulations for the Explosives and Fireworks Law on the "Istilaa" platform, inviting the public and relevant authorities to submit their feedback. This step is part of the Kingdom's efforts to modernize its security legislation to keep pace with developmental and industrial advancements, while ensuring the highest standards of control over hazardous materials.
A regulatory framework to enhance national security
Updating the explosives and fireworks regulations is an integral part of the Kingdom's comprehensive security strategy, as relevant authorities seek to close any loopholes that may hinder their transport, storage, and use. These regulations are of particular importance given the significant expansion of mining, construction, and infrastructure projects under Vision 2030, necessitating a flexible yet firm legal framework to regulate the handling of these sensitive materials, ensure they do not fall into unauthorized hands, and protect lives and property from the risks of unsafe storage.
Strict import and licensing requirements
The new regulations establish precise standards for importing explosives, including 13 essential conditions to ensure efficiency and reliability. The most prominent of these conditions is restricting the activity to Saudi nationals or companies with at least 51% Saudi ownership, with the requirement that owners have no prior criminal records. To guarantee seriousness and financial solvency, the regulations mandate that importers provide an unconditional bank guarantee of 200,000 riyals in favor of the Ministry of Interior, submit a comprehensive economic feasibility study, and provide insurance coverage against potential damages.
Regarding permits, the regulations clarified that the validity of a permit issued by the Director of Public Security extends for four years and is renewable, while the duration of permits issued by police directors ranges between two and three years, provided that there is full compliance with security controls.
Precise protocols for transport and storage
The regulations placed particular emphasis on the transport of explosives, imposing a comprehensive ban on their transport in the Makkah and Madinah regions during the Hajj season (from 20 Dhu al-Qi'dah to 25 Dhu al-Hijjah), and in the rest of the Kingdom (from 30 Dhu al-Qi'dah to 20 Dhu al-Hijjah), in order to mitigate risks during peak periods and the presence of pilgrims. They also stipulated that Saudi Interpol and security authorities must be notified at least two weeks before international shipments cross the border.
As for storage, the regulations set precise technical specifications for warehouses, including leaving safety distances of no less than 90 cm between stacks and 50 cm from the walls to ensure ventilation, using non-sparking tools, and prohibiting the storage of any other unauthorized materials in the same location.
Destruction mechanisms and uses of stadiums
The regulations also addressed the disposal of explosive materials, establishing six key controls for destruction operations. These include forming a joint committee comprising representatives from the Civil Defense, the Red Crescent, and explosives experts, and documenting the process with photos and videos to ensure transparency. Regarding sporting and recreational events, the regulations governed the use of flares and fireworks, requiring prior approval and precise quantity specifications that align with stadium capacity and safety requirements, thus guaranteeing a safe recreational environment for all.
