Prevention depends on conditions for importing biological control agents and a ban on genetically modified organisms
In a move aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and protecting the environment in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) has adopted a new regulatory guide for registering and importing biological control agents. This step is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 in the agricultural sector.
The context of the decision and its importance for environmental sustainability
The shift towards biological control is a key modern global approach to pest management, relying on the use of beneficial organisms to control harmful pests instead of flooding crops with chemicals. This regulatory guide aims to establish a rigorous legal and technical framework that ensures the efficient introduction and use of these organisms without disrupting the delicate ecological balance in the Kingdom, thus positively impacting the quality and safety of Saudi agricultural products for consumers.
Guide details and import requirements
The guide clarified that the Plant Health Department at the "Wiqa" Center is the sole entity authorized to issue import permits for biological control agents, based on the recommendations of a specialized technical committee. The guide specified that permits are valid for one year and renewable, emphasizing seven essential requirements and controls to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Prior approval: Obtaining the center's approval is mandatory before commencing any import or production operations.
- Genetic modification ban: categorically prohibiting the import or production of any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to preserve natural genetic resources.
- Local presence or positive list: Imported organisms must already be present in the local environment or listed on the positive list approved by the center.
- Risk assessment: Providing comprehensive technical files that illustrate potential risks to biodiversity and human and animal health.
- Efficacy tests: New biological enemies undergo field and laboratory trials to prove their effectiveness against the targeted pests.
- Packaging and transport standards: Adherence to strict storage and transport conditions to ensure the viability of objects upon arrival.
- Strict control: Shipments are subject to thorough inspection at entry points by agricultural quarantine inspectors.
Registration procedures and timeframes
The guide details the processing time for applications, stating that approval for local or previously registered biological control agents takes one month from the date the technical file is complete. For invasive biological control agents not previously registered, the review period may be up to four months, extendable once if further studies and environmental safety verification are required.
Supporting scientific research and innovation
The guide did not overlook the research aspect, as it allowed universities and research centers to import invasive biological enemies for scientific research purposes only, but under strict controls that include the use of agricultural quarantines and isolated greenhouses to ensure that these organisms do not leak into the open environment before their safety is fully confirmed.
This new regulation confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to applying the highest international standards in plant health, which enhances the confidence of global markets in Saudi agricultural products and supports the national economy by reducing losses resulting from agricultural pests in safe and sustainable ways.
