Article 15 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations
المادة 15 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية
The article empowers the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, in agreement with the Minister of Health, to approve procedures and controls for taking custody of narcotics in warehouses, factories and treatment institutions.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعتمد الرئيس التنفيذي للهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء - بالاتفاق مع وزير الصحة - إجراءات وضوابط تسلّم عهدة المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية في مستودعات ومصانع الأدوية والمؤسسات العلاجية .
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 15 explained in plain English
This is a short article that sets out who makes the rules, not the rules themselves. It gives the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority the power to approve procedures and controls for taking custody of narcotic or psychotropic substances, provided that this is done in agreement with the Minister of Health.
These controls cover three types of bodies:
- Medicine warehouses.
- Medicine factories.
- Treatment institutions.
Taking custody means transferring responsibility for keeping these substances to a person or body that bears responsibility for them. The article does not state the steps of taking custody, the documents required or who is responsible; it leaves these to what the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority approves. People working in these bodies therefore refer to the controls issued by the Authority for the details.
The article is among the Regulations' articles on keeping and handling narcotic substances, alongside Article 16, which sets out the data of their periodic register. Establishments that need to understand their responsibilities for custody can consult a lawyer specialized in commercial cases.
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 15 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations
Who sets the controls for taking custody of narcotic substances in hospitals?
The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority approves them in agreement with the Minister of Health.
Does the article set out the steps for taking custody?
No, it only identifies the body that approves the procedures and controls without detailing them.
More articles on Storing Narcotics and Keeping Their Records
- Article 16
The article sets the data that must be included in the register of narcotic and psychotropic substances at licensed establishments, and requires submitting the periodic register every six months.
1- يجب أن يشتمل بيان تسجيل المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية في المنشآت الصيدلية والمؤسسات العلاجية أو البحثية المرخص لها باستعمال المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات ا
- Article 17
The article empowers the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, in coordination with the Minister of Health, to approve procedures and controls for selling, delivering and disposing of narcotics in pharmacies and treatment institutions.
يعتمد الرئيس التنفيذي للهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء - بالتنسيق مع وزير الصحة - إجراءات وضوابط بيع وتسليم المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية والتصرف فيها في المنش
- Article 18
The article regulates license applications to establish factories or laboratories producing narcotic or psychotropic substances, and forming a permanent committee to study them and refer approved ones to the Council of Ministers.
1- تقدم طلبات الترخيص بإنشاء مصانع أو معامل تختص بإنتاج مواد مخدرة أو مؤثرات عقلية، أو فصلها، أو تشييدها لأغراض علمية أو تجارية إلى الهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء
- Article 19
The article sets the conditions for storing narcotic and psychotropic substances at licensed establishments, and the procedures required when quantities are in excess, lost, short or damaged.
1- شروط حفظ المواد المخدرة والمؤثرات العقلية في المنشآت المرخص لها: أ - أن تحفظ وفقا لمواصفات وشروط التخزين التي قررتها الشركة الصانعة. ب - أن يكون الحفظ في خزن
- Article 22
The article requires a special register for each medicine containing a narcotic or psychotropic substance at pharmacy establishments, and sets its data, how it is written and signed, and its retention for ten years then destruction.
1- يجب أن يكون هناك سجل خاص في المنشآت الصيدلية لكل دواء يحتوي على مادة مخدرة أو مؤثر عقلي . 2 - يجب أن تكون صفحات السجل مرقمة تسلسليًّا . 3- يجب أن يشتمل السجل
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.