Saudi Arabia has introduced new requirements for importing fruits and vegetables, covering permits, documentation, food safety and pest control. The regulations, approved by Commerce Minister Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, will take effect 30 days after issuance.
Key requirements include:
- Permit validity: Import permits will be valid for 15 days from the date of issue.
- Advance approval: Importers must obtain a permit at least 24 hours before the shipment reaches the port. Shipments cannot be dispatched before approval.
- No permit, no entry: Shipments arriving without a valid permit will be rejected, with the importer responsible for the consequences.
- Licensing: Importers must hold a fruit and vegetable import licence from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with a relevant commercial registration.
- Food safety: Products must comply with approved pesticide residue limits and be free from pests listed under Saudi Arabia’s agricultural quarantine requirements.
- Required documents: Imports must include the relevant invoice, certificate of origin, shipping documents and customs certificate. Electronic phytosanitary certificates with QR codes or verification links are also accepted.
- Applications: Import requests must be submitted through the Nama platform, with processing taking up to seven working days.
- Appeals: Applicants can appeal rejected applications to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture within 15 days of notification.
