New explosives system: Million-dollar guarantees and a complete ban on Hajj

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening public safety and security and keeping pace with rapid industrial developments, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has launched the draft executive regulations for the explosives and fireworks system through the "Istilaa" platform. This project seeks to modernize the regulatory frameworks related to all stages of handling these sensitive materials, from manufacturing and import to storage, transportation, and disposal.

A regulatory framework that aligns with Vision 2030

This regulatory move comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing massive development under Vision 2030, with the mining sector and mega construction projects considered cornerstones of the national economy. Industrial explosives are a vital component in drilling and exploration for mineral resources, oil, and gas. Therefore, updating these regulations is not limited to security aspects; it also aims to streamline procedures for licensed companies while ensuring the highest occupational and environmental safety standards, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the investment environment in the industrial sector.

Strict financial and administrative requirements for manufacturers

The new regulations have established precise standards for the establishment of explosives manufacturing companies, to ensure the efficiency and reliability of operators in this sensitive sector. Among the most prominent of these requirements are:

• Bank guarantee: Companies are required to provide an unconditional bank guarantee of one million Saudi Riyals in favor of the Ministry of Interior, valid for a period of five years.
• National Administration: Requires that the company manager be a Saudi national, and have a clean security record free of criminal convictions.
• Safe transport: Providing a fleet of trucks dedicated to transporting explosives that conforms to the specifications of the General Authority for Transport.

A complete ban during the Hajj season

Given the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of pilgrims during the Hajj season, the regulations explicitly prohibit the import or export of explosives during the critical period from the 30th of Dhu al-Qi'dah to the 20th of Dhu al-Hijjah each year. This measure is part of the Kingdom's annual precautionary security measures to guarantee the stability of the holy sites and their surrounding areas.

Import and export regulations

The regulations also addressed international trade in these materials, specifying the categories of companies permitted to import them, such as oil and gas exploration companies licensed by the Ministry of Energy and deep well drilling companies. The regulations stipulated that importers must provide a bank guarantee of 200,000 Saudi Riyals . Furthermore, export procedures were regulated in coordination with the police, Interpol, and the National Center for Security Data to ensure that these materials are not diverted or used for purposes other than those for which they were intended.

Technical and engineering standards for warehouses

The regulations paid close attention to explosives storage sites, setting strict engineering and geographical requirements to ensure public safety and environmental protection, including:

• Geographical location: Warehouses must be located at least 10 kilometers away from urban areas, and must not be located in floodplains or areas prone to natural disasters.
• Structural fortification: The regulation imposed a specific wall thickness (20 cm for bricks or 15 cm for concrete) with a minimum height of 3 meters, and the use of armored steel doors.
• Protection systems: Mandatory installation of lightning arresters, advanced CCTV surveillance systems, and earthworks surrounding warehouses to reduce the effects of any potential explosion.

This project represents a qualitative leap in the governance of the explosives sector in the Kingdom, as it balances industrial and developmental needs with strict security requirements, thus contributing to the protection of lives and property and enhancing the efficiency of government control over hazardous materials.