Saudi Arabia - Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and ServicesSaudi Arabia - Limitations
The importation of certain articles requires special approval from competent authorities. Importing the following products requires special approval by Saudi authorities: agricultural seeds and live animals; books, periodicals, movies, and tapes; religious media; chemicals and harmful materials; pharmaceutical products; wireless equipment, radio-controlled model airplanes or drones; products containing alcohol (e.g., perfume); natural asphalt; and archaeological artifacts.
There are health and sanitation regulations for all imported foods. For beef and poultry imported from the United States, Saudi Arabia has agreed to recognize a two-certificate approach: (1) an official Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) export certificate issued for beef and poultry, and (2) a producer or manufacturer self-certification to cover any additional requirements not related to food safety or animal health issues, such as animal protein-free feed declaration. The government has also agreed that any maximum residue requirements for synthetic hormones in animal products would be consistent with international standards. Companies can request a copy of the labeling requirements by contacting the Saudi Arabia Standards Organization (SASO) at telephone (966-11) 452-0132 or fax (966-11) 452-0196.
Saudi law prohibits importation of the following products: weapons, alcohol, narcotics, pork and pork products, pornographic materials, distillery equipment, retreaded or used tires, used clothing, and certain art and sculptures. For additional information, please review requirements on the SASO and Saudi Customs web sites.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
There are health and sanitation regulations for all imported foods. For beef and poultry imported from the United States, Saudi Arabia has agreed to recognize a two-certificate approach: (1) an official Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) export certificate issued for beef and poultry, and (2) a producer or manufacturer self-certification to cover any additional requirements not related to food safety or animal health issues, such as animal protein-free feed declaration. The government has also agreed that any maximum residue requirements for synthetic hormones in animal products would be consistent with international standards. Companies can request a copy of the labeling requirements by contacting the Saudi Arabia Standards Organization (SASO) at telephone (966-11) 452-0132 or fax (966-11) 452-0196.
Saudi law prohibits importation of the following products: weapons, alcohol, narcotics, pork and pork products, pornographic materials, distillery equipment, retreaded or used tires, used clothing, and certain art and sculptures. For additional information, please review requirements on the SASO and Saudi Customs web sites.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.