Saudi Arabia’s Draft Pesticide Regulation Proposes Jail and SR10 Million Fine for Counterfeit Products
27 December 2025, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is preparing a new legal framework aimed at cracking down on the manufacture and import of counterfeit and unapproved pesticides, signalling a significant shift in how the Kingdom plans to police the sector. Reports from regional media indicate that the draft rules are designed to give authorities greater clarity and enforcement power as concerns grow over the impact of illegal agrochemicals on public health, food systems and the environment.
Prison Sentences and Heavy Fines Proposed
According to initial details, the draft law outlines prison sentences of up to five years and financial penalties reaching SR10 million for those convicted of producing or bringing in banned or fake pesticides. Both punishments could be applied together in serious cases. The Public Prosecution would be tasked with handling investigations and pursuing cases in court under the proposed system.
Repeat offenders are unlikely to receive leniency. The draft reportedly allows for punishments to be doubled if individuals or companies are found breaching the law more than once, a move intended to deter habitual violations and tighten sector accountability.
Warnings for Minor Breaches
While the bill adopts a strict tone overall, it also outlines flexibility for low-risk offenses. Incidents that do not result in harm to people, animals, crops, or the environment may initially draw only a warning. In such situations, regulators could grant a compliance window to correct the issue before financial or legal action is taken. This tiered approach appears designed to focus the harshest measures on violations that pose real danger.
SFDA to Lead Enforcement on Public Health Risks
Oversight will largely rest with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which would handle investigations and penalties for cases relating to pesticides that fall within its public health remit. Final sign-off on sanctions would rest with the SFDA chief or an appointed representative.
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