Saudi Arabia Sets New 15-Day Validity for Fruit and Vegetable Import Permits

RIYADH — The relevant Saudi authorities have set new conditions for importing fruits and vegetables into Saudi Arabia. The validity period for import permits for fruits and vegetables has been fixed at 15 days from the date of issuance. This was part of the new import licensing guide approved by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi. The new regulations will come into effect after 30 days.

The guide requires importers to obtain an import permit at least 24 hours before the shipment arrives at the port of entry. Shipments may not be dispatched until approval has been granted. Any shipment arriving without an import permit will be rejected, with the importer bearing full responsibility.

The guide stipulates that importers must obtain a license to import fruits and vegetables issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and possess a commercial registration appropriate to the type of business. Imported items must be listed on the invoice, and all mandatory fields in the import permit application must be completed.

It also stipulates that shipments must be free of pesticide residues or contain such residues only within the limits permitted under the standards adopted by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Shipments must also be free of pests listed in the Kingdom’s agricultural quarantine pest lists.

The guide permits the submission of an electronic copy of the phytosanitary certificate, including a QR code or a link for verification, in addition to the certificate of origin, shipping documents, and customs certificate.

Import applications are submitted through the “Nama” platform. The guide sets a maximum processing period of seven working days for each application. Applicants whose requests are rejected have the right to appeal to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture within 15 days of being notified of the rejection.