Saudi Arabia local authorities have introduced new customs requirements for clearance of certain commodities. Some of the commodities impacted by this new regulatory change are electrical and electromechanical equipment, medications and pharmaceuticals, laboratory chemicals and solutions, cosmetics and perfumes, food, electronic cigarettes and tobacco, among others. 

IECEE Certification

Customers importing electrical and electromechanical equipment into Saudi Arabia require a Conformity Testing and Certification of Electro-Technical Equipment and Components (IECEE certificate), both issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

The electrical and electromechanical equipment include, but are not limited to:

• Batteries (including mobile phone batteries)

• Lighting equipment

• Water pumps

• Laptops and tablets

• Washing machines and dishwashers

• Televisions

Consignees in Saudi Arabia must apply for an IECEE certificate through jeem1.saso.gov.sa, before the shipment is sent to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)

All consumable items require the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approval before the shipment is sent to Saudi Arabia. These items include, but are not limited to:

• Medications and pharmaceuticals (prescription and non-prescription)

• Laboratory chemicals and solutions

• Reagents and diagnostics

• Dietary supplements including vitamins

• Cosmetics and perfumes

• Surgical equipment

• Food

Consignees in Saudi Arabia must create an account on the SFDA website https://srs.sfda.gov.sa/ and register their product for approval. Once the SFDA has approved the product for entry into Saudi Arabia, the following documents must be attached with each individual shipment at the country of origin:

• copy of the SFDA approval

• copy of the consignee’s commercial registration (trade license)

• original invoice certified by a competent authority in the country of origin
   

Prohibited Items Update

Saudi Customs Authority has recently imposed restrictions on the import of electronic cigarettes and tobacco products for both personal and commercial shipments. Metal detectors for personal use are also restricted. Any such shipment sent to Saudi Arabia will be returned to origin, discarded or detained, based on the discretion of the Customs Authority.