Unifying the clearance process for imported medicines and food at Saudi ports
A strategic step towards leading the logistics sector
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in fruitful cooperation with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, has launched a comprehensive guide for beneficiaries in the logistics sector. This guide aims to clarify and standardize the operational procedures for clearing imported pharmaceuticals and food products at Saudi ports, given the current circumstances that demand flexibility and speed in supply chains, while also providing practical examples to facilitate the implementation of these procedures.
General context and expected impact
This strategic measure aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which is rapidly transforming the Kingdom into a leading global logistics hub connecting the three continents. Historically, customs clearance, particularly for sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and food, has faced challenges related to lengthy procedures and multiple regulatory bodies. With the increasing importance of food and drug security, especially after the challenges posed by recent global crises to supply chains, it has become essential to establish a unified process that ensures the smooth flow of goods.
Domestically, this standardization ensures the availability of high-quality essential goods for consumers and reduces costs for importers. Regionally and internationally, it enhances global investors' confidence in the efficiency of Saudi ports and improves the Kingdom's ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
Pre-arrival and import stage
The procedural guide details the steps, starting from the pre-arrival stage. At this stage, the client must pre-register with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) as an approved importer, adhering to the strict established requirements. In addition, adequate storage space is required, especially for medications that necessitate dedicated refrigeration and complete cold chains. All necessary documents, including the health certificate and proof of manufacture, must also be uploaded electronically before the import process begins.
During the import phase, the guide emphasizes the importance of establishing a bill of lading certified by the shipper, along with the necessity of installing a precise temperature-monitoring device inside the container before the goods are shipped. In the pre-arrival phase, procedures include reviewing and submitting documents, obtaining pre-clearance from the relevant authorities, and conducting a pre-shipment inspection.
Clearance procedures upon arrival at the port
Upon arrival at the port, the container is handled and passed through advanced X-ray equipment. It is then sorted according to its type: dry containers are directed to the terminal yards, while refrigerated containers are connected via electrical platforms. The X-ray results indicate the condition of the shipment. If any contamination is suspected, the container is moved to a physical inspection area, or brought closer for laboratory sampling if necessary. If the results are clear, the shipment is prepared for delivery.
This includes transporting the container to the appropriate storage area, whether near food warehouses or pharmaceutical cold storage facilities, where it will be inspected by customs and the Food and Drug Authority. If the container is referred to a laboratory, a temporary release is issued pending the results. Further procedures are completed after final release, including payment of customs duties, refilling the container, scheduling a pickup appointment, and the truck's entry to collect the container.
Meeting the requirements and medical equipment
The guide emphasizes the necessity of fulfilling several basic requirements, including obtaining a delivery permit, printing the customs declaration, and adhering to storage regulations. Regarding medical devices, the guide clarifies that there are two types of pre-clearance: the first includes the device documents, a certificate of conformity, and a SABER certificate, while the second requires only the SABER certificate.
The guide concluded by noting the possibility of rejecting shipments after inspection or sampling if they are found to be non-compliant, with the implementation of standard procedures such as re-export or destruction, while temporary clearance may be granted for some foods until the results of the inspection are issued in accordance with the approved regulations.
