Article 6 of the Saudi Anti-Smoking Law

This article regulates the stage at which tobacco enters the market. It makes final clearance of tobacco and its derivatives subject to a prior step: the analysis of samples of it. The details of the provision are:

• Where the analysis is done: in the laboratories specified by the Implementing Regulations.
• The purpose: to confirm that the samples meet the specifications.
• Who prepares the specifications: the competent body, in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

The understanding from the phrase "final clearance" is that the product does not obtain final clearance unless its samples are shown to conform. The article does not name the laboratories or the competent body that prepares the specifications, and does not state the content of these specifications or the duration of the analysis; all of that is referred to the Implementing Regulations and the competent body.

This article comes in the context of the provisions on tobacco before it reaches the consumer: Article 5 requires the explanatory and warning information specified by the regulations on the package, while this article requires testing of the product itself, and then Article 7 specifies the places where smoking is prohibited. Anyone working in tobacco importing whose shipment's clearance is delayed would do well to consult a lawyer specializing in commercial and corporate matters.