Northwest Horticultural Council
Export Manual
SAUDI ARABIA
Capital: RiyadhPopulation: 36,544,431 (2024)
Currency: Saudi Riyal
Official Language(s): Arabic
I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)
The NHC’s MRL Database is a resource only available to U.S. growers, packers, and shippers of apples, pears, and sweet cherries who are located in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and those that work with them. It is intended to be an initial guide for those U.S. Pacific Northwest companies interested in exporting tree fruit to select markets of interest. Commercially important information should be rechecked and verified with knowledgeable parties in the country of interest prior to sales or shipment. This Database utilizes global MRL data partially funded by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and managed by FoodChain ID. By accessing and using the NHC’s MRL Database, you acknowledge and agree that you have read and accept the foregoing terms and conditions of use and agree to be bound by them as an express condition to your continued use of the Database.
To access the MRL Database, click here.
II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION
A. Chemical residue standards:
Saudi Arabia maintains a national MRL list. In the absence of an established national MRL, Saudi Arabia defers first to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) MRLs, then to Codex MRLs, then to the lower of the U.S. or EU MRLs, even if the limit is a default limit. Saudi Arabia does not apply a default MRL.
B. Monitoring chemical residues:
Chemical residues are monitored.
C. Restrictions on use of waxes:
Saudi Arabia permits the use of beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and shellac wax on fresh fruits as approved under Gulf Cooperation Council technical regulations 2500/2015 (E).
III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS
No information.
IV. TARIFFS
Saudi Arabia is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and adheres to the GCC Unified Customs Law. Apple, pear, and cherry imports enter duty-free under GCC import rules.
V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
A. Labeling requirements:
The Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) imposes labeling requirements. The labeling information has been provided by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) following consultations with SFDA and Saudi importers. Shippers are advised to consult closely with their customers to avoid problems on arrival.
The following labeling information must be written in Arabic as well as a foreign language such as English:
1. Fruit Name (e.g., apple)
2. Quality grade
3. Brand
4. Exporter Name
5. Exporter Address
6. Importer Name
7. Importer Address
8. Gross Weight/Net – in kilograms
9. Count
10. Country of origin
11. Packing Date
For an example of a label see here.
Regarding a carton’s weight, SFDA collects random samples from multiple pallets and takes an average weight. Some suppliers estimate reduced weights due to moisture loss and write less than actual weight when shipping to Saudi Arabia to avoid discrepancies between the weight of the carton as taken at the shipping point versus the weight of the carton at the port of entry.
B. Licenses and quotas:
None.
C. Currency Issues:
None.
D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:
A phytosanitary certificate is required. Imports must be free of Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose Scale).
VI. MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY:
Washington Apple Commission:
Nina Halal
Arab Marketing & Finance Inc. (AMFI)
Beirut, Lebanon
Voice: 011-961-1 740378
Fax: 011-961-1-740393
E-mail: halal@cyberia.net.lb
Pear Bureau Northwest:
Masood Ahmed
Seven Circle Marketing
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Voice: 011-966-2-631-8541
Fax: 011-966-2-631-8558
E-mail: masoodbutt_sa@yahoo.com
VII. OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:
Governmental:
VIII. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Saudi Arabia is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which includes five other countries in the Arabian Peninsula: United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. The GCC is working to create a common set of food standards and import requirements.
