New conditions for importing fruits and vegetables into Saudi Arabia

Riyadh has introduced new regulations for importing fruits and vegetables into Saudi Arabia. Import permits are now valid for 15 days from issuance, as part of an updated licensing guide approved by the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi. The rules take effect in 30 days. Importers must apply for a permit at least 24 hours before their shipment arrives at the port.

Shipments cannot leave until approval is granted; any arriving shipment without a permit will be rejected, with the importer solely responsible. To import, one must secure a license from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and possess a commercial registration suitable for the business type. Item listings must be accurate on the invoice, and all required fields in the permit application must be completed.

Shipments must also be free of pesticide residues or only within permissible limits set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. They must also be free of pests on the Kingdom's agricultural quarantine list. Electronic copies of the phytosanitary certificate, including QR codes or verification links, can be submitted alongside the certificate of origin, shipping documents, and customs certificate.

Applications are made via the “Nama” platform, and processing must be completed within seven working days. Applicants rejected for reasons other than the permit rejection have 15 days to appeal to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.