Conditions and steps for obtaining a license to sell and trade seeds and seedlings electronically

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced the launch of a new electronic service aimed at regulating the issuance of licenses for the sale and distribution of seeds and seedlings. This step is part of the Ministry's comprehensive strategy to govern the agricultural sector and raise the level of compliance with regulations, thereby protecting the market from unregulated practices and enhancing the quality of agricultural products.

Organizational context and its strategic importance

This regulatory move comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing significant progress towards achieving sustainable food security in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Seeds are the cornerstone of any successful agricultural operation, as controlling their quality directly impacts the quantity and quality of crops produced. By tightening controls on sales and distribution outlets, the Ministry aims to prevent the entry or circulation of seeds of unknown origin or low quality, thus protecting farmers from economic losses and contributing to increased productivity across the agricultural sector as a whole.

Application process via the "Nama" platform

The ministry explained that the service is available electronically through the "Nama" digital portal, where the user's journey begins with logging in via the National Unified Access system. The procedures are characterized by their ease and clarity, starting with accepting the user agreement, proceeding through automated data verification, and culminating in filling out forms and attaching documents. The ministry emphasized the necessity of linking the company or institution to the user's account by entering the commercial registration number, stressing that the professional practice license is linked to only one branch of the responsible employee and remains valid for three years.

Technical requirements and necessary equipment

The ministry has established a set of strict technical standards to ensure an ideal storage and display environment, most notably:

• Shop area: The work area must be at least 16 square meters.
• Infrastructure: Floors and surfaces must be smooth and free of cracks to prevent pests from accumulating, with doors tightly closed to prevent dust from entering.
• Measuring devices: It is mandatory to provide an accurate scale and devices for measuring temperature and humidity to ensure the safety of the seeds.
• Storage: The presence of a small storage area inside the shop that conforms to the specifications of the executive regulations.

Required documents and legal obligations

To complete the licensing process, applicants must provide three main documents: a valid municipal license, a valid lease agreement (or property deed), and a commercial registration. The Ministry also requires licensees to maintain accurate records detailing the movement of seeds (quantities received and sold) and customer information to ensure the highest levels of transparency. This regulation is expected to help rid the market of counterfeit products and enhance investor and farmer confidence in locally available agricultural inputs.