Categories
Laws and Regulations

The Measurement and Calibration Law

Arabic

Issued by Royal Decree D/79 Approving the Measurement and Calibration Law

The following words and phrases—wherever they appear in this law—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Law: The Measurement and Calibration Law.

Organization: The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.

Board: The board of directors of the organization.

Governor: The governor of the organization.

Regulation: The executive regulation of the law.

Center: The National Center for Measurement and Calibration.

Technical documents: The documents issued by the council or whoever it authorizes, clarifying the characteristics of measurement instruments, the operations associated with them and the methods of their manufacture, including provisions that include, in particular, the terms, definitions, requirements, specifications, conditions and recommendations regulating metrology and the costs that must be adhered to.

Measurement: A set of operations performed to find the value of a quantity.

Calibration: A set of operations and procedures that determine the value of a measure in specific circumstances, and the goal of which is to determine its true value by obtaining the most accurate value of the measure that can approach the true value with the available tools and capabilities, coupled with uncertainty to give the measurement result.

Calibration certificate: A document recording the results of a calibration.

International System of Units (SI Units): A system of measuring quantities, their names, and symbols, including a set of prefixes, their names, and symbols, along with rules for their use, adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM).

Metrology: Metrology, including scientific, industrial and legal metrology.

Scientific metrology: The part of metrology relating to units of measurement and primary standards, and the laboratories concerned with their embodiment, preservation and development.

Industrial metrology: The part of metrology concerned with metrological activities in the field of industrial and technical production.

Legal metrology: The part of metrology that deals with units of measurement, measurement instruments, and their technical and legal requirements.

Metrological supervision: Activities carried out to ensure that the manufacture, import, sale, display, maintenance, installation, and use of measurement instruments meet, and that pre-packaged products comply with, the mandatory requirements stipulated in the law, regulations, and technical documents.

Metrological attribution: A property of a measurement result such that the result can be linked to a reference through a documented and continuous series of calibrations and comparisons, each of which contributes to the uncertainty of the measurement.

Uncertainty: One of the main metrological concepts for those working in the field of measurement and calibration, it is an integer that accompanies the true value of the measurement, so that it gives a range (area) on both sides of this value.

National standards: Standards issued by a decision by the organization as a basis for fixing the value of all other standards for a specific quantity in a country, and are based on or equivalent to international standards.

International standards: Internationally recognized standards that are used internationally as a basis for establishing the value of all other standards in relation to the International System of Units (SI Units).

Benchmarks: Standards that meet the highest levels of metrological quality in a given location.

User: Every establishment that owns or uses measurement instruments.

Manufacturer: Every establishment that manufactures a pre-packaged product or measurement instrument, or assigns its manufacture to another establishment, and then markets it under its own name or trademark.

Authorized representative: Every establishment established in the Kingdom with an authorization from a manufacturer residing outside the Kingdom to act on its behalf in accordance with the applicable legal procedures.

Importer: Every establishment that imports a pre-packaged product or measurement instrument from outside the Kingdom.

Distributor: Every establishment in the supply chain—other than the manufacturer and importer—offering pre-packaged products or measurement tools to the market.

Economic operator: The manufacturer, authorized representative, importer, and distributor.

Licensees: An establishment licensed by the organization for metrological supervision activities.

Appointed parties: Public or private entities entrusted with the task of preserving and developing some national standards.

Pre-packaged products: A product contained in a box or packaged in any way, such that it cannot be changed or tangibly modified without opening it, and the nominal or actual quantity of the product is specified on the information card before it is offered for sale.

Measurement tool: A device used to make quantitative measurements, either alone or in conjunction with other equipment.

Article 2

The law aims to achieve the following:

1․ Strengthening the institutional framework for measurement in the Kingdom.

2․ Imposing the use of measurement units compatible with the International System of Units (SI).

3․ Ensuring the metrological attribution of all measurement instruments in the Kingdom to the International System of Units (SI Units).

4․ Directing and supporting research and development activities in the field of metrology.

5․ Facilitating the trade exchange of goods between the Kingdom and the countries of the world with regard to measurement and calibration.

Article 3

The provisions of this law apply to all measurement and calibration operations carried out in the Kingdom, including those related to pre-packaged products that are sold, manufactured, used or displayed regardless of their origin, whether local or imported.

Article 4

It is not permitted for any entity to practice any metrological supervision activities except after obtaining a license from the organization.

Article 5

The economic operator and the user shall ensure that the measurement instrument or pre-packaged products in the Kingdom are in compliance with the mandatory requirements stipulated in the law, regulations and technical documents.

Article 6

To achieve metrological attribution for the calibration of measurement instruments, measurement and calibration laboratories shall meet the following requirements:

1․ The national standards must obtain a calibration certificate or an international comparison report issued by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), or by any calibration center (institute) recognized by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), to confirm the attribution to international standards.

2․ The calibration certificate or international comparison report for national standards kept by the center or the designated authorities must be valid, include the uncertainty in the values, and be based on the International System of Units (SI Units).

3․ That the reference standards of the center and the designated authorities be calibrated within their laboratories, and that the uncertainty in the values accompanies them to confirm the attribution to the national standards.

4․ Calibration certificates for reference standards of measurement and calibration laboratories must include uncertainty in values, and must be based on national standards.

5․ The measurement instrument must be calibrated in the measurement and calibration laboratories, and the calibration certificates must include the uncertainty in the values, and be based on national standards.

6․ Obtaining accreditation from the Saudi Accreditation Center, to confirm its compliance with national standards.

Article 7

1․ The International System of Units (SI Units) is the basis for the units of measurement referred to in all measurements in the Kingdom. These units are based on the following base units:

(a) Unit of length: Meter.

(b) Unit of mass: Kilogram.

(c) Unit of time: Second.

(d) Unit of temperature: Kelvin.

(e) Unit of electric current intensity: Ampere.

(f) Unit of the amount of substance: Mole.

(g) Unit of luminous intensity: Candela.

2․ The council may—based on the recommendation of a technical committee formed for this purpose—approve the request of public or private entities to apply units of measurement other than the units stipulated in paragraph 1 of this article, in accordance with the terms and controls specified in the regulations and technical documents.

Article 8

Metrological supervision activities include:

1․ Model approval.

2․ Preliminary verification.

3․ Periodic verification.

4․ Post maintenance verification.

5․ Self-verification.

6․ Auditing and supervising the work of licensees.

7․ Auditing and supervising the user and the economic operator.

Article 9

The authority may assign metrological supervision activities or part of them to licensees.

Article 10

Inspectors—appointed by the board—jointly or individually, shall police and record violations of the provisions of the law, regulations, and technical documents. For that purpose, they have the following:

1․ Entering and inspecting—at any time—the facilities of licensees, the economic operator, the user, and any related warehouses, storage areas, means of transportation, and others.

2․ Issuing reports to record violations.

3․ Hearing the statements of the violator, policing them, and reporting them in a report.

4․ Closing the place where the violation occurred—in necessary cases that require this based as specified in the regulations—until the policing procedures are completed, provided that the closure period does not exceed five working days in all cases.

5․ Seizing the measuring instrument and pre-packaged products that violate—or are suspected of violating—the provisions of the law, regulation, or technical documents, and, the documents related to it.

6․ Taking samples of measuring instruments and pre-packaged products that violate—or are suspected of violating—the provisions of the law, regulations, and technical documents.

7․ Reviewing all the documents, records, files, complaints, invoices, and other documents related to the violation, and obtaining copies of them. It is not permitted—under any circumstances—to withhold any of these documents from them.

Article 11

The inspector shall display his official card when performing inspection and policing work, and the licensees, the economic operator, and the user shall enable him to perform his work and not obstruct him.

Article 12

Financial rewards must be granted by a decision by the board, based on a proposal from the governor to the inspectors stipulated in article 10 of the law.

Article 13

1․ The inspector shall maintain the confidentiality of the information he obtains by virtue of his work.

2․ Maintaining the confidentiality of information does not prevent the competent authorities from disclosing the information necessary to ensure effective market monitoring or to prevent a risk that threatens the safety of the consumer, property, and the environment.

Article 14

1․ Without prejudice to any more severe punishment stipulated by another law, anyone who violates the provisions of the law, regulations, or technical documents must be punished with one (or more) of the following penalties:

(a) Warning.

(b) A fine not exceeding ten million Riyals.

(c) Closing the facility for a period not exceeding one year.

(d) Suspension of the license for a period not exceeding one year.

(h) Cancelation of the license.

2․ The committee—stipulated in article 15 of the law—may include in the punishment decision a provision to publish a summary of it at the expense of the violator in a local newspaper issued in his place of residence, and if there is no newspaper in his place of residence, then in the area closest to him, or to publish it in any other appropriate means, according to the type of violation committed, its seriousness and its impact, provided that it is published after the decision has been fortified by the expiry of the period for filing a complaint against it or by its confirmation by the competent court.

3․ The governor—or his representative—shall impose a punishment not exceeding ten thousand Riyals on anyone who violates the provisions of the law, regulations, or technical documents, based on the recommendation of the inspector.

4․ The board shall issue a schedule that includes the following:

(a) Classification of violations and the corresponding punishment stipulated in paragraph 1 of this article, their amount, and duration, taking into account the progression of the punishment.

(b) Classification of violations and the corresponding punishment stipulated in paragraph 3 of this article, their amount, and duration, taking into account the progression of the punishment.

It is permitted to double the punishment imposed on the violator in accordance with paragraph 1(b) and (c) of this article, if the violation is repeated, provided it does not exceed its maximum limit. The violation is considered repeated if it occurs within one year from the date of committing the previous violation.

Article 15

1․ One or more committees must be formed—by a decision by the board—of five members, including at least three legal advisors, one of whom must be its chairman.

2․ The committee shall undertake the following:

(a) Imposing corrective measures against the licensees, the economic operator, and the user as specified in the regulation and technical documents.

(b) Applying the punishments stipulated in article 14(1) of the law.

(c) The committee shall issue its decisions in accordance with the rules and procedures specified in the regulation. The person against whom the decision is issued may appeal it before the Administrative Court within sixty days from the date of his knowledge of the decision.

4․ The remuneration of the committee members must be determined by a decision of the board.

Article 16

The board shall issue the regulation and technical documents within ninety days from the date of publication of the law in the official gazette, and it becomes effective from the date of its entry into force.

Article 17

The law replaces the Measurement and Calibration Law issued by Royal Decree D/51 dated 13 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1434 [18 September 2013], and repeals all provisions conflicting with it.

Article 18

The law becomes effective after ninety days from the date of its publication in the official gazette.


Published in Umm Al-Qura 5048 issued on 20 September 2024.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 202 Approving the Measurement and Calibration Law

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 79228 dated 4 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1445 [12 May 2024], which includes the Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization Telegram 35993 dated 5 Dhu Al-Hijja 1442 [15 July 2021], regarding the draft Measurement and Calibration Law,

after perusal of the aforementioned draft law,

after perusal of the Measurement and Calibration Law issued by Royal Decree D/51 dated 13 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1434 [19 September 2013],

after perusal of the Hydrocarbons Law issued by Royal Decree D/37 dated 2 Rabi Al-Thani 1439 [20 December 2017],

after perusal of the Concession Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) approved by Royal Decree D/38 dated 6 Rabi Al-Thani 1439 [24 December 2017],

after perusal of the System of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization issued by Council of Ministers Decision 216 dated 17 Jumada Al-Thani 1431 [31 May 2010],

after perusal of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Minutes 318 dated 4 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1444 [24 May 2023], Memorandum 3809 dated 8 Dhu Al-Hijja 1444 [26 June 2023], Memorandum 870 dated 12 Rabi Al-Awwal 1445 [27 September 2023], Memorandum 2532 dated 13 Rajab 1445 [25 January 2024], Memorandum 2958 dated 15 Sha’ban 1445 [25 February 2024], and Memorandum 4202 dated 6 Dhu Al-Hijja 1445 [12 June 2024],

after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 2-10/45/R dated 19 Sha’ban 1445 [29 February 2024],

after perusal of Shura Council Decision 300/28 dated 28 Shawwal 1445 [7 May 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 1415 dated 8 Safar 1446 [12 August 2024],

hereby decides

First

The Measurement and Calibration Law is hereby approved in the form attached.

Second

The application of the provisions of the law—referred to in clause First of this decision—must not prejudice the competences of the Ministry of Energy related to measurement and calibration operations stipulated in the Hydrocarbons Law issued by Royal Decree D/37 dated 2 Rabi Al-Thani 1439 [20 December 2017], nor the rights of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) stipulated in the Concession Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) approved by Royal Decree D/38 dated 6 Rabi Al-Thani 1439 [24 December 2017].

A draft royal decree has been prepared in the form attached.

Third

The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization shall review its competences—stipulated in its law issued by Council of Ministers Decision 216 dated 17 Jumada Al-Thani 1431 [31 May 2010]—in light of the provisions in the law—referred to in clause First of this decision—of provisions on controlling the practice of measurement and calibration activity, and shall report the matters requiring action in this regard.

Fourth

The financial rewards referred to in article 12 of the law—referred to in clause First of this decision—must be granted in accordance with a governance agreed upon with the Ministry of Finance, which must include a rewards cap and controls for their disbursement.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 30 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 5 September 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5048 issued on 20 September 2024.

Categories
Royal Order

Royal Order O/83 Reconstituting the Council of Senior Scholars

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,

the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

after perusal of the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Order O/90 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412 [2 March 1992],

after perusal of Royal Order O/137 dated 8 Rajab 1391 [30 August 1971], issued to establish and organize the Council of Senior Scholars,

after perusal of Royal Order O/88 dated 6 Rabi Al-Awwal 1422 [29 May 2001],

and after perusal of Royal Order O/142 dated 1 Rabi Al-Awwal 1442 [18 October 2020],

and in pursuance of public interest,

We hereby order the following

First

The Council of Senior Scholars is hereby reconstituted with the following eminent president and members, starting from 1 Rabi Al-Awwal 1446 [5 September 2024]:

1. His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh as Chairman.

2. Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan.

3. Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh.

4. Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulrahman Al-Turki.

5. Sheikh Abdullah bin Suleiman bin Mohammed Al-Manea.

6. Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Humaid.

7. Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim bin Abdulaziz Al-Issa.

8. Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Mutlaq.

9. Sheikh Dr Saad bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Shathri.

10. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Kulliyyah.

11. Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah bin Mubarak Al-Mujib.

12. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hassan bin Abdulrahman Al-Sheikh.

13. Sheikh Dr Yousuf bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saeed.

14. Sheikh Mohammed bin Mohammed Al-Mukhtar bin Mohammad Mazid.

15. Sheikh Dr Jibril bin Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Busaili.

16. Sheikh Dr Abdulsalam bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sulaiman.

17. Sheikh Dr Ghalib bin Mohammed bin Abu Al-Qasim Hamdhi.

18. Sheikh Dr Sami bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Suqair.

19. Sheikh Dr Bandar bin Abdulaziz bin Siraj Baleela.

20. Sheikh Abdulbaqi bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Mubarak.

21. Sheikh Dr AbduIillah bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Mulla.

Second

This order of Ours must be communicated to the competent entities for adoption and implementation.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 29 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 4 September 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5046 issued on 6 September 2024.

Categories
Royal Order

Royal Order O/73 Military Appointments

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,

King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

and Supreme Commander of All Military Forces,

after perusal of the Law of the Service of Officers issued by Royal Decree D/43 dated 28 Sha’ban 1393 [26 September 1973],

after perusal of Royal Orders O/41 dated 15 Safar 1439 [5 November 2017], O/137 dated 10 Jumada Al-Thani 1439 [26 February 2018], and O/131 dated 9 Rabi Al-Awwal 1443 [16 October 2021],

and based on the matters presented to Us by His Highness the Minister of Defense,

We hereby order the following

First

The service of Lieutenant General Mutlaq bin Salim bin Mutlaq Al-Azima, Commander of the Joint Forces, is hereby terminated by his retirement, effective from the date of this order.

Second

Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Ghufaili, Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, is hereby relieved of his post and appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff with the rank of Lieutenant General.

Third

Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Mutair, Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, is hereby relieved of his post and appointed as an advisor in the Office of the Minister of Defense with the rank of Lieutenant General.

Fourth

Major General Fahd bin Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Salman is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Commander of the Joint Forces.

Fifth

Major General Fahd bin Saud bin Dhuwaihir Al-Jahni is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Chief of Staff of the Land Forces.

Sixth

Lieutenant General Marine Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Hamid Al-Gharibi is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces.

Seventh

His Highness the Minister of Defense shall implement this order of Ours.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 25 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 29 August 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5045 issued on 30 August 2024.

Categories
Royal Order

Royal Order O/74 Appointing an Advisor in the Royal Court

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

and Supreme Commander of All Military Forces,

after perusal of the Law of the Service of Officers issued by Royal Decree D/43 dated 28 Sha’ban 1393 [26 September 1973],

after perusal of the Military Retirement Law, issued by Royal Decree D/24 dated 5 Rabi Al-Thani 1395 [17 April 1975],

and after perusal of Royal Order O/73 dated 25 Safar 1446 [31 August 2024],

We hereby order the following

First

Mutlaq bin Salim bin Mutlaq Al-Azima is hereby appointed as an advisor in the Royal Court with the rank of Lieutenant General.

Second

This order of Ours must be communicated to the competent entities for adoption and implementation.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 25 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 31 August 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5045 issued on 30 August 2024.

Categories
Royal Order

Royal Order O/75 Relieving an Advisor from His Position

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

after perusal of the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Order O/90 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412,

after perusal of the Law of Ministers, Vice Ministers, and Employees of the Excellent Grade issued by Royal Decree D/10 dated 18 Rabi Al-Awwal 1391 [14 May 1971],

and after perusal of Royal Order O/415 dated 28 Rajab 1442 [12 March 2021],

We hereby order the following

First

Dr Samir bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Tabib, the medical advisor at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, is hereby relieved of his post.

Second

This order of Ours must be communicated to the competent entities for adoption and implementation.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 25 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 31 August 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5045 issued on 30 August 2024.

Categories
Royal Order

Royal Order O/76 Appointing an Advisor in the Ministry of Defense

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

after perusal of the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Order O/90 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412,

after perusal of the Law of Ministers, Vice Ministers, and Employees of the Excellent Grade issued by Royal Decree D/10 dated 18 Rabi Al-Awwal 1391,

and after perusal of Royal Order O/14 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1414 [21 August 1993],

We hereby order the following

First

Dr Samir bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Tabib is hereby appointed as an advisor at the Ministry of Defense with the excellent rank.

Second

This order of Ours must be communicated to the competent entities for adoption and implementation.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 25 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 31 August 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5045 issued on 30 August 2024.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 185 Renewing the Exemption Period Stipulated in Clause Second of Royal Decree D/21 for a Period of Two Years

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal of Royal Court File 46800 dated 25 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [7 January 2024], which includes the President of State Security Telegram 116241 dated 20 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [2 January 2024], regarding the request of the presidency to renew the period of the exception stipulated in clause Second of Royal Decree D/21 dated 12 Safar 1439 [2 November 2017] for two years starting from 12 Safar 1445 [29 August 2023].

after perusal of Law of Combating Terrorist Crimes and its Financing issued by Royal Decree D/21 dated 12 Safar 1439 [2 November 2017],

after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 447 dated 12 Sha’ban 1443 [16 March 2022],

after perusal of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memorandum 2664 dated 24 Rajab 1445 [4 February 2024],

after perusal of the Secretariat of the Political and Security Affairs Council Telegram 14415 dated 27 Shawwal 1445 [6 May 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 1473 dated 9 Safar 1446 [15 August 2024,

hereby decides

The period of the exemption stipulated in clause Second of Royal Decree D/21 dated 12 Safar 1439 [2 November 2017] is hereby renewed for a period of two years starting from 12 Safar 1445 [29 August 2023].

The Prime Minister

Issued on: 23 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 29 August 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5046 issued on 6 September 2024.

Categories
Laws and Regulations

Saudi Commission for Health Specialties Membership Regulation 2024

Arabic

Issued by Board of Trustees Decision 5/T/2024 dated 25/08/2024

Introduction

Based on article 3(1) of the Law of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties issued by Royal Decree D/2 dated 6 Safar 1413 [4 August 1992], which stipulates that: “1. The commission consists of honorary members and working members”, based on the tasks of the commission stipulated in article 2 of the law, which include the mandate of the commission over: “7. Evaluating and equating professional health certificates” and “11. Setting the principles and standards for practicing health professions, including the principles of professional ethics”,

based on article 5 of the law, which specifies the responsibilities of the board of trustees of the commission, some of which are: “2. Approving the internal regulation of the commission; determining wages, salaries, incentives, subscription for membership and its renewal, administrative and financial mandates, and employment conditions; and setting the administrative structure of the commission, duties of the members, disciplinary procedures, and other executive and technical matters”, “5. Reviewing the laws and instructions governing health specialties and professions, including those relating to the duties and responsibilities of members of health professions, and submitting recommendations it sees fit to develop those laws and instructions and submitting them to the competent entities”, and “8. Preparing the necessary executive regulations for this law”.

based on the objectives of the Law of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties aimed at developing professional health performance in the Kingdom,

and the board being cognizant of the importance of developing and updating the legal frameworks for the principles and standards for practicing health professions, evaluating and equating professional health certificates, and obtaining membership in the commission by health practitioners,

the board of trustees of the commission hereby issues the Membership Regulation of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Chapter One
Definitions and General Provisions

Article 1
Definitions

The following words and phrases—wherever they appear in this regulation—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Commission:
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Law:
The Law of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Regulation:
The Membership Regulation of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Standards:
The standards for practicing health specialty professions and their disciplines.

Procedural guides:
Practical guides for processing applications relating to classification, registration, and membership granting procedures and related services.

Board:
The board of trustees of the commission.

Secretary-general:
The secretary-general of the commission.

Specialized councils and committees:
Specialized advisory councils and committees formed based on this regulation.

Health practitioner:
Whoever is permitted to be licensed to practice a health profession.

Working member:
A health practitioner who holds a working membership in the commission.

Classification:
Determining the appropriate specialty or discipline for the applicant based on a number of procedures that include verification, professional equivalency, and professional evaluation.

Profession group:
A comprehensive group of professions that share a professional path concerned with providing tasks under a single scientific umbrella, such as the group of medical and surgical professions, dental professions, podiatric medicine and treatment professions, pharmacy professions, nursing and midwifery professions, rehabilitation and therapy disciplines professions, diagnostic technology disciplines professions, or other profession groups approved by the commission.

Specialty:
The professional category of a health practitioner who practices within a specific professional scope of practice, such as a medical doctor, dentist, podiatrist, pharmacist, nurse, medical laboratory specialist, optician, psychiatrist, and podiatry treatment specialist.

Discipline:
A branch of a specialty that includes the main discipline, the specialization, and its branches.

Health qualification:
An official approval by the relevant national authorities of the successful completion of an educational program in the field of health, awarded upon completion of the learning objectives of the program.

Health academic degree:
A degree awarded upon obtaining a health qualification at ISCED 6 or ISCED 7 level in one of the specialties or disciplines that the commission professionally equates, such as a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, a master’s degree or its equivalent, and a doctorate or its equivalent. It is called a first degree if it does not require previous successful completion of any degree at ISCED 6 or ISCED 7 level to enter the relevant educational program, and it is called second degree if it requires previous successful completion of any degree at ISCED 6 or ISCED 7 level to enter the relevant educational program, such as a master’s degree or its equivalent and a doctorate or its equivalent.

New health qualification:
A health qualification that has not been previously professionally equated by the commission.

Health program:
A consistent or sequential set of educational experiences and activities designed and organized to achieve predetermined learning outcomes or to complete a specific set of educational tasks extending over a sustained period of time, and the successful completion of which results in classification in one of the health specialties or disciplines approved by the commission.

Professional equivalency:
Evaluating the health qualification from all its technical aspects in comparison with the educational ladder applied in the Kingdom, in a manner that aligns with the standards for practicing health specialty professions and their disciplines.

Experience:
The period of professional practice considered in any field of specialty.

Verification:
Ascertaining and certifying the validity of documents, papers, and experiences submitted to or issued by the commission.

Professional assessment:
A statement of the value result of the knowledge or skill of a health practitioner using a measuring tool such as a test or others.

Professional evaluation:
Determining the extent to which a health practitioner has achieved professional competencies, and includes professional assessment using one of its tools.

Registration:
The process of making a record in a register of the commission, whether in its general or subsidiary registers, including the inclusion in a joint register.

Membership:
Working or honorary commission membership.

Register:
Any register created in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

Working membership cancellation:
Deleting the name of a working member from the registers of the commission.

Working membership suspension:
Temporarily suspending working membership.

Article 2
Objectives

This regulation aims to clarify the provisions for classifying, registering, and granting membership.

Article 3
Scope of Application of the Regulation

The provisions of this regulation apply to all applications for classifying, registering, and granting membership.

Article 4
Submission of Applications

Without prejudice to the provisions of this regulation, applications must be submitted in accordance with the procedural guides.

Article 5
Issuance of Decisions

Decisions relating to classifying, registering, and granting working membership must be issued by the organizational unit specified in the organizational structure of the commission.

Chapter Two
General Rules for Classification

Article 6
Conditions for Classification

1․ The standards must determine the classification conditions for each specialty and its sub-disciplines or the inter-disciplines in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

2․ Taking into account the registration conditions stipulated in article 21 of this regulation, it is permitted to obtain classification in more than one specialty or discipline at the same time.

Article 7
Lists of Specialties and Disciplines

1․ The commission shall prepare lists of approved specialties and disciplines and publish them through its official channels.

2․ The commission shall when updating the lists referred to in paragraph 1 of this article—depending on the changes made—publish these updates through its official channels.

Article 8
Rejection of Classification Applications

The commission may, by a reasoned decision, reject classification applications in accordance with the provisions of this regulation, based on one of the following reasons:

1․ Failure to meet the classification conditions within the specified legal period.

2․ Recommendation by the specialized councils and committees to reject the submitted qualifications and experiences.

3․ Ban from the tests of the commission in accordance with the General Assessment Regulation.

4․ Any other reasons specified by the decisions by the board, the standards, or the procedural guides.

Chapter Three
Health Qualifications

Article 9
Review of Health Qualifications and Their Equivalency

1․ The commission shall determine the standards for recognizing health qualifications and equating them professionally in accordance with the framework of professional competencies approved by the commission.

2․ The commission shall review health qualifications and equate them in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

3․ The commission shall accept educational or training health programs, provided that the programs are offered in training centers accredited by the commission or accredited by another entity recognised by the commission, and that these programs provide training that achieves the minimum level of professional competencies achieved by the programs of the commission or national programs equated by the commission.

4․ The commission shall review the qualifications that have been recognized and equated periodically. It may reconsider if the commission becomes aware of something that prompts it to cancel the recognition and equivalency of the qualification, such as a major change in the curriculum or training programs, and this does not affect health practitioners previously registered based on those qualifications before the commission issues a cancellation decision.

5․ The commission may recognize and equate qualifications that were previously rejected if the commission finds that the curriculum or programs covers matters that make them compatible with the standards of the commission, or if there is an amendment to the standards that allows the recognition and equivalency of those qualifications.

6․ The standards must determine the types of unrecognized qualifications.

7․ The procedural guides must determine the procedures for reviewing, recognizing, and equating health qualifications.

Article 10
Date of Obtaining the Qualification

1․ The date of official approval by the authority governing the issuance of a health qualification, such as a university, educational or training institution, the commission, or a council awarding the certificate, is the actual date of obtaining the qualification.

2․ As an exception of paragraph 1 of this article, it is permitted to accept and rely upon letters of completion of educational or academic requirements, in accordance with the controls determined by the procedural guides based on the standards.

Article 11
Lists of Recognized Health Qualifications

1․ The commission shall prepare lists of the health qualifications it recognizes and publish them through its official channels.

2․ The commission shall when updating the lists referred to in paragraph 1 of this article—depending on the changes made—publish these updates through its official channels.

Chapter Four
Experience

Article 12
Experience

The conditions for accepting experience must be determined in accordance with the standards.

Article 13
Accepting Experience Instead of Health Qualification

Experience is not a substitute for the requirement of a health qualification for classification, unless it is in accordance with the controls specified by the standards.

Chapter Five
Verification

Article 14
Verification

1․ The commission shall verify the validity of the documents and papers submitted to it through means and mechanisms specified by the procedural guides, and shall certify their validity including the documents and certificates issued by it.

2․ The commission may suffice with the certification of entities recognized by it, and it may assign verification tasks and procedures to specialized entities or companies.

Chapter Six
Professional Evaluation

Article 15
Passing Professional Evaluation

1․ All applicants for classification must pass the professional evaluation.

2․ The commission may suffice with the professional evaluation issued by entities recognized by it for the purpose of registration.

3․ It is not permitted to exempt from paragraph 1 of this article, except in accordance with the standards for exemption from professional evaluation.

Article 16
Professional Re-Evaluation

The commission may re-evaluate a health practitioner to ascertain his professional competencies by a reasoned decision, provided that the reasons include:

1․ Issuance of a final judgment or decision by a competent authority to perform professional re-evaluation of the health practitioner.

2․ Issuance of a final judgement proving that the health practitioner committed medical malpractice for which the commission considers that a professional re-evaluation is required.

3․ Receipt of documented reports to the commission regarding a decline in the level of professional performance of the health practitioner.

Article 17
Professional Evaluation Methods

Taking into account the provisions of the General Assessment Regulation in the commission, the commission shall use any appropriate professional evaluation tool or method to evaluate health practitioners for the purpose of registration. These methods include, but are not limited to: Written tests and practical tests (clinical).

Chapter Seven
Specialized Councils and Committees

Article 18
Specialized Councils and Committees

1․ Without prejudice to the provisions stipulated in the General Regulation of Executive, Scientific, and Professional Councils and Committees of the commission, specialized councils and committees must be formed by a decision of the secretary-general, and the decision forming them must specify their tasks and work mechanism.

2․ The specialized council or specialized committee shall be responsible for reviewing the topics referred by the secretary-general or his delegate, and submitting recommendations regarding them.

3․ The specialized councils and committees shall participate in setting the principles and standards for practicing the health professions within the scope of their work in a manner that ensures the protection and promotion of health, shall recommend the appropriate professional competencies for practicing each health specialty within its scope, and shall review and develop them according to regulatory developments and scientific developments, including the professional standards that must be included in the plans for preparing health programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at all educational levels and continuous educational programs, as well as the standards for evaluating and equating professional health certificates, and shall submit its minutes to the secretary-general for approval. The secretary-general may return the minutes to the council or committee accompanied by his point of view regarding any item he objects to for re-examination.

Chapter Eight
Registration

Article 19
Creation of Registers

The commission shall create the following records:

1․ Professional registers, which are general records for each specialty, such as the doctors register, dentists register, pharmacists register, nurses and midwives register, diagnostic technology specialists register, rehabilitation and therapy specialists register, and other specialties. Sub-registers may be created from the general record to record health practitioners based on their main disciplines or specializations, provided that the health practitioner is recorded in one general register and one sub-register. This does not include determining clinical privileges.

2․ Accredited registers, which are registers for listing health practitioners from various health specialties who share similar fields that are not considered branches of a single main specialty or discipline, such as the field of public health, the field of clinical studies, the field of health education, the field of health research, and other fields that the comission deems appropriate.

3․ Any other registers that the secretary-general decides to create.

Article 20
Determining the Specialty in Registration

It is not permitted to be recorded in more than one professional register at the same time, even if a health practitioner has obtained more than one classification based on his qualifications. It is permitted to be included in more than one accredited register in accordance with the procedural standards and guides.

Article 21
Registration Conditions

1․ That the applicant has obtained a recognized health qualification in one of the health specialties or disciplines.

2․ That he is of good conduct and behavior.

3․ That he has obtained a classification.

4․ Payment of the registration fees.

5․ Any other conditions specified by the commission.

6․ Submitting the required documents in accordance with the procedural guides.

Article 22
Registration Duration and Its Renewal

1․ The procedural guides must determine the registration duration and the mechanism for its renewal.

2․ Without prejudice to the Regulation Governing Continuous Professional Development, the standards must determine the required number of professional development hours to renew registration, whether in professional records or accredited records.

Article 23
Amendment of Registration

A working member may submit an application to amend the registration to be recorded in another specialty register, in accordance with his qualifications classified with the commission, and the conditions must be met in accordance with the provisions of the regulation, standards, and procedural guides.

Chapter Nine
Membership Provisions

Article 24
Types of Membership

Membership in the commission is as follows:

1․ Working membership.

2․ Honorary membership.

Article 25
Membership Duration

Membership duration in the commission is as follows:

1․ Permanent membership: For honorary membership.

2․ Renewable membership: For working membership and its duration is linked to the registration period.

Article 26
Working Membership

Working membership is enjoyed by those whose registration is valid with the commission.

Article 27
Honorary Membership

1․ Honorary membership is enjoyed by those who have provided material, moral, or professional services to the commission or the profession.

2․ An honorary member is exempt from registration and subscription fees.

3․ The board shall set the controls for granting honorary membership.

4․ Honorary membership must be granted by a decision by the board.

5․ Honorary membership ends upon death, and is terminated if the honorary member engages in an act or activity that results in material or moral harm to the commission or that damages the reputation of the health professions.

Article 28
Student Affiliation and Registration

1․ It is permitted to register students of health programs in universities and colleges who submit an application for affiliation.

2․ The secretary-general shall determine the conditions for accepting student applications for affiliation and registration.

Article 29
Rights and Benefits of Members

A member enjoys—including but not be limited to—the following rights and benefits:

1․ The right to nominate himself for the councils and committees of the commission in accordance with the controls determined by the commission.

2․ Benefiting from the services provided by the commission, such as attending courses and seminars.

3․ Obtaining discounts, offers, and other membership benefits provided by the commission to its members.

Article 30
Duties of Working Members

A working member shall adhere to the following:

1․ The Code of Ethics for Health Practitioners issued by the commission.

2․ The requirements of continuous professional development.

3․ The duties specified in the regulations of the commission.

4․ Duties specified in the Law of Practicing Health Professions, and other related laws, regulations, and codes.

Chapter Ten
Committee for Violations of Working Members

Article 31
Formation of a Committee for Reviewing Violations of Working Members

1․ A committee must be formed by a decision by the secretary-general for reviewing violations of working members.

2․ The mechanism for holding committee meetings and issuing recommendations, the number of committee members, its chairman and deputy chairman, and the term of its membership must be determined in the decision referred to in paragraph 1 of this article, provided that the committee members include two independent legal advisors, and two representatives of the executive department of legal affairs one of whom must be the chairman and the other the secretary of the committee.

Article 32
Mandates of the Committee for Reviewing Violations of Working Members

The committee for reviewing violations of working members has the mandate for reviewing the following cases:

1․ Submitting dubious certificates or experiences to obtain classification or registration or to renew it.

2․ Providing data or information that is not true, or using illegal methods that result in the applicant being granted classification or registration.

3․ A request from a competent government entity to suspend or cancel the registration, provided that this request is based on reasons relating to professional competence, professional conduct, or patient safety, with proof of this being provided.

4․ Issuance of a final judgment proving that the working member has committed a crime that violates honor or integrity.

5․ Issuance of a final judgment or decision by a competent entity to cancel the license to practice the health profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

6․ Proof that the working member has violated the ethics of health professions.

7․ Matters referred by any committee that has the mandate to review violations, inside or outside the commission.

8․ Classification and registration decisions that violate the provisions of this regulation.

9․ Failure of a working member to adhere to the professional re-evaluation procedures.

10․ Any other violation of the provisions of this regulation and the standards.

Article 33
Recommendations of the Committee for Reviewing Violations of Working Members

The committee for reviewing violations of working members may make the following recommendations:

1․ Canceling the classification decision.

2․ Referring to professional evaluation.

3․ Suspending working membership for a period not exceeding one year.

4․ Canceling working membership.

Article 34
Adoption of Committee Recommendations

1․ Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this article, the committee for reviewing violations of working members shall submit its recommendations to the secretary-general for adoption, and the recommendations are not effective until they are adopted. The secretary-general may return the minutes to the committee, accompanied by his point of view regarding any item he objects to for re-examination, and he may temporarily suspend the membership of the health practitioner for the entire period of review of his violation if the interest requires this, for a period not exceeding three months, renewable once by a decision by the committee.

2․ The recommendation of the committee for reviewing violations of working members to cancel working membership must be submitted after its adoption by the secretary-general to the board for approval.

Article 35
Proportionality Between Committee Recommendations and Violations

The committee for reviewing violations of working members shall take into account the proportionality of the recommendation for the violation proven against an active working member and the extent of its recurrence.

Article 36
Notification of the Decisions of the Committee for Reviewing the Violations of Working Members

The procedural guides must determine the mechanism for notifying the concerned party of the adopted decision issued against him by the committee for reviewing violations of working members.

Chapter Eleven
Final Provisions

Article 37
Grievance Against Decisions

Grievances filed regarding classifying, registering, and granting working membership decisions and decisions of the committee for reviewing violations of working members, must be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the Procedural Regulation of the Standing Committee for Reviewing Grievances issued by the commission.

Article 38
Fees and Charges for Services

1․ The fees and charges for services and works relating to classifying, registering, and granting memberships must be in accordance with the schedule of fees and charges of this regulation.

2․ The secretary-general shall propose a schedule of fees and charges of this regulation, and shall submit it to the board for adoption.

3․ The service applicant may have the fee and charge for some services refunded, in accordance with the refund policy specified in the procedural guides.

4․ The board shall determine the categories exempt from fees and charges.

Article 39
Provisions for Exemption

The secretary-general, based on the recommendation of the board, committee, or competent organizational unit, may exempt from some of the provisions of this regulation, provided that the exemption is for individual cases and based on acceptable and valid justifications, and must be in the following cases exclusively:

1․ Required experience.

2․ Providing additional professional evaluation opportunities for those who have exhausted the legal attempts.

3․ The charge due for classification and registration services.

4․ Continuous professional development hours required to renew registration.

Article 40
Entry into Force of the Regulation

This regulation must be published in the official gazette, and comes into force 90 days after the date of its publication. This regulation repeals the General Regulation for Professional Classification and Registration issued by board of trustees Decision 3/T/2017 dated 30 May 2017 and its executive rules, as well as the Professional Classification and Registration Guide for Health Practitioners issued in 1435 [2013], all previous classification guides, and all provisions that conflict with it.

Article 41
Issuance of Standards and Procedural Guides

1․ Draft standards must be published on the Istitlaa Platform to obtain the views of the public and members, before their adoption. The standards must be prepared by the competent departments after they are proposed by the specialized councils and committees, and the secretary-general shall adopt them.

2․ Draft procedural guides must be published on the Istitlaa Platform to obtain the views of the public and members, and the secretary general shall issue the procedural guides within 90 days from the date of publication of the regulation in the official gazette, and they come into force from the date of the entry into force of the regulation.

3․ The standards, after their adoption, and the procedural guides, after their issuance, must be published on the website of the commission.

4․ The General Regulation for Professional Classification and Registration issued by board of trustees Decision 3/T/2017 dated 30 May 2017, and its executive rules, continue to apply until this regulation, the standards, and the procedural guides enter into force.


Published in Umm Al-Qura 5074 issued on 7 March 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 162 Approving Extending the Guidance Period for the Unified Law on Organic Inputs and Products

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 43152 dated 11 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [24 December 2023], which includes His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs Telegram 169917 dated 4 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [17 December 2023], regarding the documents of the meeting of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in its 44th session, and the documents of the meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in its 158th session.

after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 251 dated 25 Rabi Al-Thani 1443 [1 December 2021],

after perusal of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Minutes 200 dated 25 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1445 [2 June 2024],

after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Minutes 2310/45/M dated 21 Dhu Al-Hijja 1445 [28 June 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 792 dated 19 Muharram 1446 [26 July 2024],

hereby decides

The decision of the Ministerial Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf issued in its 158th session—preparatory to the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf—which was held in the city of Doha on 19 Jumada Al-Awwal 1445, corresponding to 3 December 2023, which included approval to extend the indicative period of the Unified Law on Organic Inputs and Products in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, for an additional year, is hereby approved.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 16 Safar 1446
Corresponding to: 22 August 2024

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5045 issued on 30 August 2024.

image_pdf