News Details

Saudi Arabia has published the Implementing Regulation of the Chemical Materials Management Law, establishing a comprehensive legal and procedural framework governing the import, export, re-export, transport, storage, and clearance of chemical substances in the Kingdom. The regulation was published in Umm Al-Qura Official Gazette issue 5103 on 29 August 2025. The regulation is expected to become applicable in early 2026, based on the standard implementation period following publication. 

Comprehensive Classification of Chemical Substances 

The regulation categorizes chemical materials into nine distinct lists, including: 

• First List: Hazardous chemicals used in explosives. 

• Second List: Chemical precursors used in the manufacture of narcotics and psychotropic substances. 

• Third List: Dual-use substances appearing in both explosives and narcotics manufacturing. 

• Fourth to Seventh Lists: Substances restricted under key international conventions, including: 

• Rotterdam Convention 

• Minamata Convention on Mercury 

• Stockholm Convention 

• Montreal Protocol 

• Eigth List: Explosives for civilian use regulated under the Explosives and Fireworks Law. 

• Ninth List: Unrestricted or internationally unprohibited chemical materials. 

Strict Import and Export Controls 

The regulation introduces detailed multi-stage approval procedures for importing and exporting chemicals, particularly those listed under the First, Second, and Third Lists. Key features include: 

• Mandatory import and export permits issued by competent authorities. 

• Chemical materials cannot be cleared through customs without a clearance permit issued by the competent authority. 

• Defined processing timelines, typically five working days for each authority involved in the approval process. 

• Annual and periodic reporting requirements for narcotics precursors. 

Authorities involved in oversight and approval include: 

• The Ministry of Interior, including the General Directorate of Narcotics Control and the Higher Industrial Security Authority. 

• Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). 

• Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. 

• National Center for Environmental Compliance. 

• Transport General Authority. 

• General Authority of Civil Aviation. 

For substances listed under international narcotics control, export procedures require coordination through the International Narcotics Control Board’s Pre-Export Notification (PEN Online) system. 

Validity and Renewal 

• Import permits are generally valid for one Gregorian year (five years for Ninth List substances). 

• Export permits are valid for three years (five years for Ninth List substances). 

• Clearance permits are valid for one year. 

Permits may be renewed under defined conditions, including changes in entity data or quantities. Permits may also be canceled in cases of data manipulation, misuse of materials, quantity discrepancies, or regulatory violations. 

Transport and Compliance Requirements 

The regulation mandates that chemical materials be transported only by licensed carriers: 

• Land, sea, and rail transport must comply with licensing requirements issued by the Transport General Authority. 

• Air transport requires authorization from the General Authority of Civil Aviation. 

• Carriers must ensure alignment between shipment documentation and approved permits. 

• Non-compliant shipments must be returned to origin at the carrier’s expense. 

Annual Reporting and International Coordination 

Importers of narcotics precursors must submit annual data to the Ministry of Interior detailing imported, consumed, produced, damaged, and remaining quantities. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority will compile annual reports and submit them to the International Narcotics Control Board. 

Conclusion  

The implementing regulation establishes a nine-category framework for the management of chemical materials in Saudi Arabia, for licensing, import and export controls, transport and reporting obligations. By aligning with international conventions and national safety requirements, the regulation clarifies compliance obligations for companies involved in the handling and trade of chemical substances.