Legal Framework

Saudi Arabian Nuclear Regulatory Legal and Operational Framework

The nuclear regulatory legal and operational framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comprises national policies issued by the Council of Ministers. These policies include, in particular, the National Policy for the Kingdom's Atomic Energy Program, the National Policy for Radioactive Waste Management, and the National Policy for Occupational Safety and Health. The legal framework also encompasses national regulations related to nuclear and radiological regulatory matters, such as the Regulation on the Control of Nuclear and Radiological Uses (issued by Royal Decree No. 82/M dated 25/7/1439 AH), the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Regulation (issued by Royal Decree No. 81/M dated 25/7/1439 AH), the Law on Combating Terrorism and Its Financing (issued by Royal Decree No. M/21 dated 12/2/1439 AH), and the Statute of the NRRC (issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 334 dated 25/6/1439 AH). Furthermore, the Kingdom is committed to several international instruments (multilateral and bilateral treaties, agreements, and United Nations resolutions) that contain legal provisions incorporated into the national regulations, thereby reinforcing the Kingdom's efforts in the global nuclear non-proliferation, security, and safety system.

National Policies (NP)

National policies form the foundation of the regulatory legal framework and include key policies such as the National Policy for the Atomic Energy Program, the National Policy for Radioactive Waste Management, and the National Policy for Occupational Safety and Health. These policies establish general principles and strategic guidelines to ensure nuclear safety. They aim to protect humans and the environment from radiation hazards and promote adherence to national and international standards. National policies also define the roles and responsibilities of all concerned entities, ensuring effective coordination among various parties to achieve common goals.

National Nuclear Laws and Regulations (NL)

National policies are translated into binding rules and regulations. These include the Regulation on the Control of Nuclear and Radiological Uses and the Regulation on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. National nuclear laws and regulations provide the legal foundation governing all activities related to nuclear and radiological energy. These regulations ensure compliance with national and international legal standards and specify the penalties and procedures necessary in case of non-compliance. These laws enhance safety and security by setting stringent rules for the use of nuclear and radiological materials.

International Instruments and Decisions (II)

International instruments and decisions promote compliance with global standards in nuclear and radiological safety, ensuring that nuclear activities within the Kingdom align with international agreements and protocols. Saudi Arabia has ratified several important international instruments and decisions. The national regulatory framework considers compliance with these instruments and decisions, which enhances international cooperation and ensures a high level of nuclear safety. These international commitments contribute to the update and development of national regulations in line with global best practices, supporting the sustainable achievement of nuclear safety and security.

Cabinet Resolutions

National government decisions direct the executive and procedural policies related to nuclear regulation. These decisions establish the executive framework for national policies and define the mechanisms and procedures to be followed to achieve strategic goals. They provide the necessary guidance for the effective and coordinated implementation of policies and laws.

NRRC Policies (PoM)

NRRC policies guide internal operations and ensure compliance with national and international standards. These policies establish the organizational and procedural foundations that regulate the NRRC's work, ensuring consistent and effective implementation of regulations and laws. They aim to achieve efficiency and transparency in all aspects of the NRRC's internal operations.

Implementation Regulations (IR)

Implementation regulations within the regulatory, legal, organizational, and operational framework outline the detailed procedures necessary to implement nuclear policies and laws. These regulations translate general principles into actionable steps, facilitating compliance and ensuring the achievement of specified goals. Implementation regulations provide a clear framework for entities involved in nuclear activities.

Technical Regulations (R)

Technical regulations specify the technical standards to be followed in all nuclear energy-related activities. These regulations translate laws and policies into detailed technical specifications that ensure safety and security. They serve as essential references for workers, practitioners, and inspectors to ensure adherence to best practices and achieve the required safety levels.

National Specifications (SASO)

National specifications set the quality standards that must be met in products and services related to nuclear energy. These specifications aim to ensure that all materials and equipment used in nuclear activities comply with the highest quality standards. They help enhance safety and security by defining requirements that align with national quality and specification standards.

Integration of Roles with National Entities (JOPoM)

The integration of roles with national entities enhances institutional coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders concerned with nuclear safety. This integration ensures effective and comprehensive coordination between different parties, contributing to improved regulatory effectiveness and policy implementation. It helps achieve a holistic and integrated vision of nuclear safety.

+ Guidelines (SG-IG)

Guidelines provide detailed instructions on how to implement regulatory requirements. Internal guidelines include how to apply regulatory requirements and nuclear safety standards through detailed executive instructions. These guidelines assist workers in the nuclear sector in understanding and applying regulations and technical standards. They clarify the procedures and steps to be followed for full compliance and help train and qualify the workforce in the field.

Procedure Manuals (PM)

Procedure manuals detail the practical and specific steps for executing operational processes in compliance with implementation regulations and legislations. These manuals provide a unified framework that ensures operations are carried out consistently and effectively, enhancing the efficiency of operational processes.

Operational Frorms (OF)

Operational forms include forms used in the daily operations of the NRRC, such as inspection forms, evaluation forms, and audit forms. These forms document standard operational procedures and provide practical examples of how to apply regulations and procedural manuals. They help achieve full compliance and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations by providing clear and specific models for operational processes.