In a move aimed at strengthening public safety and security and keeping pace with the Kingdom's rapid regulatory developments, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has published the executive regulations for the Explosives and Fireworks Law on the "Istilaa" platform. This step allows the public and relevant authorities to provide feedback on the proposed provisions, reflecting a commitment to transparency and community participation in the drafting of regulations.
An organizational context that keeps pace with development
This regulation is of particular importance given the urban development and major projects underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030, which has led to a growing demand for explosives in mining, road construction, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The new system aims to close any loopholes that could compromise public safety and ensure that the entire lifecycle of explosives—from import to disposal—is subject to strict controls to prevent misuse or leakage, while also streamlining procedures for entities adhering to the regulations.
Strict requirements for permits and storage
According to the draft, the regulations stipulate 13 precise conditions for importing explosives and set specific criteria for permit durations. The Director of Public Security issues permits for four years, renewable, while permits issued by regional police directors range from two to three years. Regarding storage, the regulations emphasize precise technical standards, including maintaining a minimum distance of 90 cm between stacks and 50 cm between walls, and using non-sparking equipment. This reflects a commitment to applying the highest international safety standards in warehouses.
Regulating transportation and banning the Hajj season
The regulations placed particular emphasis on the transport of explosives, imposing a comprehensive ban on their transport in the Makkah and Madinah regions and other areas during the Hajj season (from 20 Dhu al-Qi'dah to 25 Dhu al-Hijjah) to ensure the safety of pilgrims. They also mandated that transporters notify Saudi Interpol and security authorities two weeks before shipments cross the border, providing detailed information including drivers and vehicles, thus enhancing proactive security measures.
Financial guarantees and the economic dimension
To ensure seriousness and financial solvency, the regulations require importers to provide an unconditional bank guarantee of 200,000 riyals in favor of the Ministry of Interior, and to submit an economic feasibility study. The regulations also strengthen the Saudization of the sector by stipulating that the manager must be a Saudi national and that the company must be at least 51% Saudi-owned, thus contributing to the protection of the national economy and creating quality job opportunities for citizens.
Destruction protocols and sports safety
The regulations stipulate six strict controls for the disposal of explosives and fireworks, requiring the presence of joint committees from the Civil Defense, the police, and the Red Crescent, and the documentation of the process with audio and video recordings. In a related matter, the regulations also govern the use of smoke flares in sports stadiums and fireworks at entertainment events, placing the responsibility for ensuring public safety on clubs and organizers. This reflects the comprehensiveness of the system, covering all security, entertainment, and industrial aspects.
