The Ministry of Industry issues 44,000 certificates of origin to support exports

announced Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources Saudi certificates of origin during March. This strategic step comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to support and streamline procedures for exporters across various sectors, including industry, commerce, and individuals, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing the business environment and facilitating trade.

General context and historical development of Saudi exports

Historically, certificates of origin have been a vital tool in international trade to ensure the transparency of goods' origin. In the Saudi context, these efforts are closely linked to the objectives of Vision 2030, specifically the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP). Since launching Vision 2030, the Kingdom has aimed to diversify its national income sources and reduce its reliance on oil revenues by stimulating non-oil exports and supporting national products to access global markets efficiently and competitively. The Ministry's digital transformation in issuing these certificates reflects a significant development in the infrastructure of government services, facilitating cross-border trade.

Details of certificates of origin and target groups

In the announcement, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Jarrah Al-Jarrah, explained that a certificate of origin is an official and legal document confirming that products exported abroad are of national origin or have acquired national origin status. This vital service targets a wide range of sectors, including industrial establishments, commercial companies and institutions, as well as the individual sector, which encompasses farmers, fishermen, self-employed individuals, local artisans, and other producers.

4 main forms of certificate of origin

The surgeon stated that the certificate includes 4 main models to meet all export needs, which are:

• Certificate of origin for national products of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• Certificate of origin for national products of Arab countries.
• Certificate of Origin (Preferential): This is the unified model for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries when exporting to countries and economic blocs with which free trade agreements have been concluded.
• Certificate of origin in Arabic and English: intended for countries that do not grant preferential treatment (general form).

Economic importance and expected impact

This step carries significant economic importance and has a multifaceted impact. Domestically, these facilitations will enable Saudi manufacturers and producers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to expand their operations and increase their revenues, positively impacting GDP and creating new job opportunities. Regionally ,the growth of Saudi exports strengthens Gulf and Arab economic integration and supports inter-regional supply chains. Internationally, the increased volume of exports documented with official certificates of origin reinforces the Kingdom's position as a reliable trading partner and a major supplier of products in global markets.

In closing, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources called on all beneficiaries to take advantage of the available digital services, as applications for a certificate of origin can be submitted easily and conveniently through the Ministry’s official website via this link.