Saudi Arabia's regulations on timber imports

1、 Qualifications and procedures required for import

1. Imported timber companies need to have a domestic import company business license, and their business scope should include wholesale and retail of timber.

2. Import companies need to have import and export rights and file with customs.

3. For special woods such as rosewood and sandalwood, a species certificate is required.

2、 Documents required for import

1. Basic shipping documents such as contracts, packing lists, code sheets, invoices, etc.

2. Specific certificates such as certificate of origin from the exporting country, phytosanitary certificate, Latin name, fumigation certificate, etc.

3. If the imported species are precious trees such as rosewood or their products and derivatives, which are endangered species restricted by international conventions to which China is a party, in addition to handling general import and export customs clearance procedures, it is also necessary to apply for a permit for import and export from the national endangered species import and export management agency.

3、 Quarantine requirements for imported timber

1. Imported timber must provide an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country.

2. Imported wood must not contain harmful organisms and bark that are prohibited from entering the country.

If the wood has bark, it must undergo effective pest control treatment before entering the country, and the methods, pesticides, time, and other details of pest control treatment must be indicated on the certificate.

4、 Tariff policy

Saudi Arabia has expanded its tariff exemptions for industrial products starting from April 1, 2024, including raw materials, semi-finished products, packaging materials, equipment, machinery, and components directly used in industrial production. However, it should be noted that locally produced input or output materials are not included in the exemption scope. This means that if wood is used for industrial production, importers may be able to enjoy tariff exemptions.

5、 Other precautions

1. All products entering Saudi Arabia must indicate their place of origin, unless it is not feasible (such as small parts, nails, pins, nuts, etc.). For products such as wood, the origin mark should be indicated on the hoop.

2. The transportation of dangerous goods must first be approved by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Therefore, if wood is classified as a hazardous material, importers need to comply with relevant safety regulations and procedures.

The above information is for reference only, and specific regulations may change according to the latest policies of the Saudi government. Therefore, before importing timber, it is recommended that importers consult and confirm in detail with relevant government departments or professional institutions in Saudi Arabia.