Article 22 of the Saudi Explosives and Fireworks Law

This article addresses permit holders in the fireworks field, meaning those who hold a permit to manufacture, import, export, use or trade in fireworks (a category that under Article 1 includes fireworks). It punishes them with a fine of up to SAR 40,000 in three cases:

1. Failing to renew the permit: the permit's term has expired, its holder continues his activity, and he has not applied to renew it within 3 months of the date it expired. The violation arises when these three elements come together.
2. Breaching the permit conditions: breaching any of the conditions of the permit granted to him.
3. Breaching the transport or storage conditions: breaching any of the conditions or procedures for transporting or storing fireworks.

The penalty here is a fine only, which differs from the penalty in Article 21, which punishes smuggling, making or trading in fireworks with up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either. Article 21 deals with the acts listed in it, whereas this article deals with a permit holder who breaches the conditions of his permit.

This article corresponds to Articles 18 and 19 on explosives permit holders, and the fine here is lighter, in keeping with the nature of fireworks. Article 10 leaves it to the Implementing Regulations to set the conditions for storing and transporting fireworks, so they should be consulted to learn which conditions, if breached, give rise to the fine.

Anyone fined under this article may consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases.