Import and Export Control
Regulating the import, export, and trade of nuclear materials, radioactive sources, and nuclear-related items is a fundamental aspect of the NRRC's regulatory functions, as stipulated by paragraph (3) of Article Three of the NRRC's Statute. Achieving this goal requires developing a national control system. The importance of this system lies in enhancing national security and addressing security threats. It also plays a direct role in fulfilling the Kingdom's international obligations regarding nuclear non-proliferation, including compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 and bilateral international agreements. Monitoring the export and import of nuclear materials and related items is a core component of the global non-proliferation framework.
This system includes arrangements between the NRRC and customs authorities for the clearance of any restricted items listed in the national control lists, prepared and licensed by the NRRC. The second part of the national control system includes procedures and technical measures at border checkpoints within the customs network to monitor the illicit trafficking of these restricted items, including nuclear materials, nuclear-related items, radioactive materials, and goods contaminated with radioactive substances.
The system involves the following tasks:
Updating the National Lists of Restricted Items in the Nuclear and Radiological Fields
Some items in the national restricted lists for nuclear and radiological fields are periodically updated. These items fall into two categories: the first includes restricted items that require an import or export license issued by the NRRC, while the second includes dual-use items, which have both nuclear and non-nuclear applications, yet may also be used in non-peaceful nuclear activities, such as in the production of weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, importing, exporting, or transiting these items requires a license issued upon notification from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority to the NRRC.
Development of Procedures for Issuing Permits for International Transport Allowing Transit of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials
The NRRC has prepared the necessary procedures and forms to evaluate and process applications for international transport permits, allowing the shipment of nuclear and radioactive materials to, from, or through the Kingdom's airspace and territorial waters. Relevant national authorities, in line with established national arrangements, refer these applications to the NRRC for review and permit issuance, ensuring compliance with nuclear and radiological safety and security measures and non-proliferation protocols. The requirements for transporting or receiving nuclear materials, nuclear-related items, or radioactive sources by air or sea, whether to, from, or through the Kingdom, have been outlined. These requirements include detailed conditions for these items, established by the NRRC and related national entities such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the General Authority for Ports, the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. The guidelines align the NRRC’s systems with national regulations governing maritime and air transport, taking into account the Kingdom's international commitments.
These requirements have been shared with the relevant authorities, which have approved and disseminated them to their respective departments, airline companies, and maritime agents. The General Authority of Civil Aviation has also endorsed the national requirements concerning the air transport of nuclear materials, radioactive substances, and nuclear-related items. These requirements have been integrated into the national aviation regulations (GACAR109) for hazardous materials and published in the Saudi Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
Development of the Guide for Identifying Controlled Nuclear-Related Items
The NRRC is developing a comprehensive guide to identify goods classified as nuclear-related items. This guide serves as a tool to facilitate customs inspectors' tasks in recognizing these items, given their diversity and complexity.
