The Minister of Interior adds hazardous materials to the Chemicals Management Regulations

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, issued a ministerial decree approving the updating of the lists attached to the executive regulations of the Chemicals Management System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This decree adds two new paragraphs to the first and second lists, in a strategic step aimed at strengthening security control over the handling of dual-use or hazardous materials and raising public safety standards in dealing with these sensitive substances.

Details of the decision and added materials

The ministerial decision stipulated the addition of paragraph (49) to the first list and paragraph (50) to the second list of the executive regulations. This update came as a result of thorough reviews and technical reports submitted by the Higher Commission for Industrial Security, to ensure keeping pace with security and industrial developments.

The updated list includes a wide range of chemicals that require strict control due to their potential use in manufacturing explosives or the significant danger they pose if misused. Among the most prominent substances for which security controls have been established are:

• Precursors to explosives and oxidizing agents: such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, aluminum powder and flakes, barium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric acid.
• Nitrate and nitrite compounds: These include calcium nitrate and nitrite, potassium nitrate and nitrite, sodium nitrate and nitrite, and magnesium nitrate.
• Highly explosive and toxic materials: The list included highly dangerous materials such as trinitrotoluene (TNT), trinitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, sodium cyanide, lead azide, and picric acid.

Organizational context and security importance

This decision comes within the framework of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Interior and the High Commission for Industrial Security to develop the legislative and regulatory environment related to chemical safety. The Kingdom's chemical management system is a cornerstone in preventing hazardous materials from falling into unauthorized hands, thus contributing directly to combating terrorism and organized crime, as well as preventing catastrophic industrial accidents that could result from the unsafe storage or transport of these materials.

Expected impact and compliance

This update is expected to enhance national security by closing any loopholes that could be exploited in the handling of these materials. The decision requires all relevant parties—manufacturers, suppliers, and end users—to immediately comply with the new regulations and update their records and security procedures in accordance with the amended regulations. This measure underscores the Kingdom's commitment to international standards in hazardous materials management, further solidifying its position as a safe environment for industrial investment that adheres to the highest safety standards.