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The new import licensing guide approved by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi requires that permits for importing fruits and vegetables remain valid for 15 days from the date of issuance. According to the guide published in the official Umm Al-Qura gazette, importers must secure the permit at least 24 hours before the shipment reaches any entry point and may not dispatch the consignment until approval is granted. Any shipment arriving without an issued permit will be rejected with the importer bearing full responsibility.
The guide stipulates that importers must hold a license to import fruits and vegetables issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in addition to a commercial registration matching the business activity. The Ministry of Commerce document adds that all imported varieties must be listed according to the invoice with every mandatory field in the permit application completed. These provisions form part of a broader update to lists of goods subject to licensing requirements following coordination with competent government bodies.
Under the guide, shipments must be free of pesticide residues or contain them only within limits approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. The document further requires that produce be free from pests listed in the Kingdom’s agricultural quarantine lists. The Ministry of Commerce noted that an electronic copy of the phytosanitary certificate bearing a QR code or verification link will be accepted alongside the certificate of origin, shipping documents and customs certificate.
The updated guide will enter into force 30 days after its approval, the Ministry of Commerce stated in the published text. It builds on earlier mechanisms released by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture that set conditions aligned with the GCC agricultural quarantine system and international phytosanitary standards. The authority’s framework continues to emphasize matching imports to local market needs while protecting plant resources and supporting food security.
Importers have been directed to consult the full guide for detailed procedures on electronic submissions and supporting documentation. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority maintains separate clearance rules for fresh produce that complement the new licensing requirements. Officials indicated the combined regulations aim to streamline legitimate trade while upholding safety and quality at all border points.
