Export to Saudi Arabia
सऊदी अरब को निर्यात
Large infrastructure and food demand, but shipments are refused without the correct SABER conformity certificate.
Market snapshot
Trade agreementNo FTA — GCC common tariff applies.
Duty treatmentGenerally 5–15% depending on the line; higher on selected finished goods.
Transit timeSea 7–12 days · Air 4–5 hours
What India sells mostBuilding material · Food & agri · Chemicals · Electricals · Textiles
Documents your shipment needs
SABER / SASO certificateProduct and shipment certificates before the goods sail.
Halal certificateFood and related products only from approved bodies.
Legalised invoiceChamber and consulate attestation for several categories.
Arabic labelling proofRetail packs must carry compliant Arabic text.
Certificate of origin (legalised)Attested chamber certificate accompanies the consignment.
Certificates you must arrange
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)Issued per product model on the SABER platform.
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)Issued per consignment before shipment — not after arrival.
Halal certificate from approved bodyOnly SFDA-recognised Indian certifiers are accepted.
Health / veterinary certificateFood, dairy and meat consignments.
SASO quality markApplies to specified regulated product categories.
Compliance and labelling rules in Saudi Arabia
Arabic labelling & production/expiry datesBoth dates printed on the pack, not stickered.
SFDA food establishment registrationYour plant must be registered before food import.
Shelf-life minimumsEnforced at entry — short-life arrivals are rejected.
Energy efficiency labelsAppliances and lighting need the Saudi efficiency card.
Importer registrationBuyer must hold valid commercial registration and Fasah access.
Legal and contract points before you ship
Attestation chainChamber → MEA → embassy attestation for specified documents.
Contract & arbitrationSaudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration is the practical forum.
Payment securityLC preferred; open account exposes you to long recovery.
Agency registrationDistributor rights once registered are difficult to withdraw.
Demurrage liabilityDefine who pays if conformity papers delay clearance.
Where shipments to Saudi Arabia usually get stuck
- No SABER = shipment stuck at port, with demurrage on you.
- Importer must hold a valid commercial registration.
- Shelf-life minimums are enforced strictly.
- SCoC must be issued before sailing — it cannot be fixed later.
Our retired customs officers check every one of these before your file is submitted.
Other markets
Shipping to Saudi Arabia soon?
Send us the order and your documents — an ex-customs officer reviews the file before it is filed.
Start the export check →