MAWANI Circular - Saudi Arabia - National requirements for the transport or arrival of nuclear or radioactive materials / Circular No. (1) of 2026, issued under No. 1/38/22327 and dated 06/09/1447 AH
Dear Valued Customer,
Subject: National Requirements for the Transport or Arrival of Nuclear Materials,
Nuclear Related Items, or Radioactive Materials by Maritime Transportations To,
From, or Through the Kingdom
We would like to share across attached circular concerning national requirements for
the transport or arrival of nuclear or radioactive materials or nuclear related items via
maritime transport to, from, or through the Kingdom, or their use in maritime vessels.
English Translation – Page 7 & 8 in the annexure pdf
I. Definitions:
• Nuclear Materials: Plutonium, Uranium-233, or enriched Uranium in either of the two
isotopes (Uranium-233 or Uranium-235), Uranium containing an admixture of its naturally
occurring isotopes, but which is not ore or ore residue, or any other material the
Commission classifies as nuclear material.
• For purposes of the application of nuclear safeguards, nuclear materials shall mean any
source material or fissionable material as defined in the relevant the Kingdom signed
Safeguards Agreement.
• Nuclear-Related Items: Any nuclear or radiological-related substance, commodity,
technology, software or data, as well as nuclear and non-nuclear dual-use materials and
components that are subject, when used, to specific restrictions, as they are susceptible
to be misused.
• Radioactive Material: Any material from which ionizing radiation is emitted, whether
spontaneously or within other equipment, and which is designated as subject to the
control of the Commission, including naturally occurring radioactive materials.
• Nuclear Ores: A mineral or a chemical aggregate containing any quantity of uranium or
thorium in a quantity and of a quality that makes mining and extracting the uranium or
thorium economically viable.
• Spent Fuel: Nuclear fuel that has been irradiated in and permanently removed from a
nuclear reactor core.
• Radioactive Waste: Any material, regardless of its physical form, resulting from activities,
practices or interventions such as decontamination, for which no further use is foreseen
and which contains or is contaminated with radioactive substances, and has radiological
activity or concentration higher than the level set for clearance from regulatory control.
• Import/Export: Transferring any nuclear, nuclear-related components, or radioactive
material into or out of the Kingdom.
II. Import and Export Controls
1) For the import, transit or export of nuclear materials, nuclear related items, or radioactive
materials to, from and via the KSA prior permission from the Nuclear and Radiological
Regulatory Commission (NRRC) is required.
Contact Information:
• The Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC)
• 3895-Al Nakheel Dist.
• RIYADH 12382-6744
• TEL: +9661122329999
• KSA.
• Email: [email protected]
2) In the event of the innocent passage of ships in the kingdom's territorial sea carrying
nuclear materials, nuclear related items, or radioactive materials, the Nuclear and
Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) shall be notified.
3) In case the consignment contains nuclear materials, nuclear related items, or radioactive
materials, the Maritime Agents must ensure that the consignor/consignee is in possession of
a prior approval from the NRRC.
4) The import, export, or transit of radioactive waste to, from, or through the KSA or through
its territorial sea and ports is prohibited.
5) The import, export, or transit of spent fuel to, from, or through KSA ports shall be
prohibited, unless a license issued by the NRRC is obtained. The NRRC shall be notified in
writing at least two weeks prior to the shipment.
6) Nuclear materials (and nuclear ores) and nuclear related items shall not be permitted for
carriage by passengers or crew whether through checked-in or carry-on baggage. The
shipment of these materials to or from the Kingdom, its ports, its territorial sea is not permitted
without prior authorization from the NRRC.
7) Innocent passage of ships through the Kingdom's territorial sea shall not be permitted
if they carry the materials that are mentioned in paragraph (6) in addition to spent fuel and
radioactive waste without prior permission from the NRRC.
8) Innocent passage through the Kingdom's territorial sea shall not be allowed for
nuclear-powered ships and submarines without permission from the NRRC.
9) Passengers or crew shall not be permitted to carry any nuclear materials (or nuclear ores)
or radioactive materials on shipboard, whether by hand or through checked-in or carry-on
baggage.
Thank You
Ocean Network Express L.L.C