Article 36 of the Saudi Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law

This article deals with chemical precursors, which, under the definition in Article One of the Law, are substances used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic or psychotropic substances and listed in Table (3) attached to the Law.

The article prohibits dealing with these substances in any of the following forms:

• Importation, meaning bringing them into the Kingdom, and exportation, meaning taking them out of it.
• Manufacture and trade.
• Use.
• Giving them up.
• Possession.

But the prohibition is not absolute, as the article excepts what is done in accordance with the conditions and procedures set by the Regulations. Many of these substances may have lawful uses, so the Law left it to the Regulations to set out the conditions for lawful dealing in them. The Regulations also set how these substances are monitored and the competent body for that, which the article did not name.

This article comes after Article 35, which addresses individuals' possession of narcotic and psychotropic medicines: an unlicensed person may not possess them unless a licensed doctor prescribes them for him, may not give them up, and must return the unused portion to its source. Article 36 moves from medicines to the basic chemical substances that can enter into making narcotics.

Anyone who works in importing, making or trading chemicals must check whether the substance is listed in Table (3) and comply with what the Regulations provide. If there is doubt about the status of a particular substance, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specialized in criminal or commercial cases.