Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 1/23/2020

Under its World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations, Saudi Arabia has committed to implement a transparent and predictable import licensing system.  The Government of Saudi Arabia requires that local chambers of commerce around the United States perform the authentication of shipping documents.  The following documents are required for exporting goods to Saudi Arabia:

  • Original certificate of origin legalized by the chamber of commerce of the exporting country;
  • Original commercial invoice (in triplicate) invoice attested by the agency responsible for trade in the exporting country and which must state the country of origin, name of the carrier, brand and quantity of goods, and description of the goods including weight and value;
  • Irremovable label showing the country of origin affixed on the commodity;
  • A clean bill of lading or airway bill;
  • Documents indicating compliance with health regulations, if applicable;
  • Insurance documents, if shipments are sent CIF;
  • Packing list; and
  • Certificate of conformity with applicable Saudi standards, if available. 
  • The original documents must be accompanied by an Arabic translation of a radiation certificate, if applicable. 

Saudi exporters must submit a copy of their commercial registration, which indicates they are allowed to export.  They are also required to submit a certificate of origin of Saudi products (issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Investment). 

Certain items such as antiques, Arabian horses, livestock, or subsidized items need special approval to export, e.g., feed additives require a Certificate of Analysis that needs to be authenticated. 
Foodstuff validity period together with ingredients should be labeled in Arabic in accordance with the Saudi or GCC specifications.

Register medical preparations at the Ministry of Health (especially medicaments and herbs). 
Exports of oil, petroleum products, natural gas and wheat all require export licenses. 
Saudi Arabia has removed its export ban on all scrap metals and will not apply export duties on these products.

For updated information, visit: https://www.customs.gov.sa/sites/sc/en/sUnitedRulesDetails.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service 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 U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.