المملكة: Imprisonment and fines amounting to 10 million riyals for violators of the pesticide system in the Gulf countries

The system allows violators the right to appeal the penalty decisions issued by the Ministry before the competent committee within thirty days from the date of notification, provided that the committee decides on the grievance within a period not exceeding thirty days.

In the event that a decision is not issued within the specified period, or a decision is issued that the violator does not accept, he has the right to appeal before the Administrative Court in accordance with Article Six of the system.

With regard to public health pesticides, the Food and Drug Authority is responsible for reviewing violations and imposing the necessary penalties, provided that these penalties are approved by the Chairman of the Authority or his authorized representative.

The Authority’s Board of Directors shall form one or more committees, the number of whose members shall not be less than five, for a period of three years, subject to renewal, and it is required that it include at least one specialist in Sharia or regulations, to consider grievances submitted against the penalty decisions.

The Authority’s decisions may be appealed within thirty days. From the date of notification, provided that the committee decides on the grievance within a similar period, with the possibility of resorting to the Administrative Court in the event of not accepting the decision or delaying its decision.

The update granted the Ministry and the Food and Drug General Authority additional powers when imposing penalties, including obligating the violator to remove the violation, and doubling the fine if the same violation is repeated within three years.

The materials subject to the violation may be destroyed by entities specialized in disposing of chemicals, or re-exported to the source country, at the expense of the violator.

It is also permissible, in addition to the fine, to close the facility subject to the violation temporarily, not exceeding Six months, or permanently closing it in serious cases, in order to achieve deterrence and protect the public interest.

The update stipulates that the Minister and the Board of Directors of the Food and Drug Authority, each in its jurisdiction, shall issue tables for classifying violations and determining penalties within the limits stipulated by the law, taking into account the nature and seriousness of each violation and the aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Rules and procedures for the work of committees and the remuneration of their members are also issued, ensuring governance and transparency in implementing the system.