Saudi Arabia plans to impose strict penalties for the illegal sale and counterfeiting of pesticides, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of approximately $2.66 million.

The draft stipulates that if the violation is minor and has not caused significant harm to humans, animals, plants, the environment, or public health, the violator will be given a warning and a time limit to rectify the situation. For the manufacture or import of any prohibited or counterfeit pesticides, the draft clearly outlines the corresponding legal responsibilities: violators will face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 10 million Saudi Riyals, or both. The Saudi Public Prosecution will be responsible for investigating related cases and submitting them to the competent court for punishment in accordance with the law. If the violator is a repeat offender, the prosecution may recommend that the court double the punishment. The draft also clarifies that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is responsible for reviewing violations involving public health pesticides and related regulations, with specific penalties to be approved and executed by the head of the ...