Article 9 of the Saudi Environment Law
المادة 9 من نظام البيئة · الفصل الثاني: الأوساط البيئية والموارد المائية وحمايتها
The article requires whoever uses in his activity substances that harm air quality or deplete the ozone layer to take steps to carry out the phase-out plans prepared by the competent authority.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- على كل من يمارس أي نشاط يستخدم فيه مواد لها تأثير سلبي في جودة الهواء، أو مواد مستنفدة لطبقة الأوزون؛ اتخاذ ما يلزم من إجراءات لتنفيذ الخطط -التي تعدها الجهة المختصة- المتعلقة بالتخلص التدريجي من تلك المواد؛ وذلك وفقاً لما تحدده اللوائح.
2- تحدد الجهة المختصة المواد التي لها تأثير سلبي في جودة الهواء، وكذلك المواد المستنفدة لطبقة الأوزون.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 9 explained in plain English
This article deals with two kinds of substances: substances that negatively affect air quality, and ozone-depleting substances.
Paragraph 1: Whoever carries out an activity in which any of these substances is used must take the necessary steps to carry out the phase-out plans for them. Note that:
- The plans are prepared by the competent authority, not by the owner of the activity.
- The obligation falls on anyone who carries out the activity; the article does not limit it to permit holders and license holders as Article 8 did.
- The phase-out is "gradual", that is, in stages set by the plans, and the details are referred to the regulations.
Paragraph 2: The competent authority is the one that specifies these substances, so identifying them is not left to individuals' own judgment. The owner of an activity should therefore refer to what the competent authority specifies to know whether the substances he uses fall within them.
It is followed by Article 10, which prohibits importing, exporting, trading in, manufacturing or using ozone-depleting substances without a permit or license. Anyone who needs to assess the position of his activity can consult a lawyer specialized in environmental laws.
Practical example
An air-conditioning maintenance company in Riyadh uses a refrigerant gas that the competent authority has specified among the ozone-depleting substances. Under Article 9, the company must take the necessary steps to carry out the phase-out plan the competent authority prepared for this gas.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 9 of the Saudi Environment Law
Who specifies the ozone-depleting substances?
The competent authority specifies the substances that negatively affect air quality and the ozone-depleting substances.
Who prepares the phase-out plans?
The competent authority prepares them, and whoever uses these substances in his activity must take what is necessary to carry them out as the regulations determine.
Is the obligation limited to license holders?
No. The article addresses anyone who carries out any activity in which these substances are used.
More articles on Ozone-Depleting Substances
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.