Meat is one of the most in-demand products in the Saudi market, as the Kingdom imports beef, lamb, camel, game, and poultry, in addition to meat and poultry products. The import process goes through different stages and requires working with more than one entity to ensure the successful completion of supply procedures. In this article, we will shed light on some of the steps that anyone wishing to import meat into Saudi Arabia must go through.
First: Preparing Import Documents
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority requires anyone wishing to import to submit 3 basic documents:
1. Commercial Invoice: This is a document that proves the commercial transaction between the importer (buyer) and the exporter (seller), and includes essential items: exporter’s details (full name, address, phone, company, registration number), and importer’s details (full name, address, phone, commercial registration number), in addition to the products.
2. Bill of Lading: The bill of lading guarantees the supplier’s rights and consists of the following fields: type of products, quantity and weight in detail, shipper’s details (name and address), consignee’s details (name and address), and financial dues to the shipping company.
3. Certificate of Origin: This is a valid certificate issued by the competent authority in the exporting country, proving the origin of the imported meat.
Second: Importing from Permitted Countries
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority restricts the import of meat from specific countries, as it issues a list of countries from which import is permitted depending on the type of product. This list includes the following:
● Beef: The list of permitted Islamic countries for import includes Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Turkey, Pakistan, Albania, and Kazakhstan. It is also permitted to import from Asian countries such as Russia, Japan, Azerbaijan, and India, in addition to the following African countries: Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Kenya. It is also permitted to import from the United States and some European countries, such as Serbia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Netherlands, Hungary, France, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Ukraine, and Spain.
● Lamb: The list of permitted Islamic countries for import includes Kazakhstan, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Turkey, Albania, Pakistan, and Jordan. It is also permitted to import lamb from Asian countries, such as Azerbaijan, India, and Russia. From Africa, it is permitted to import from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Ethiopia, in addition to some European countries such as the United Kingdom, Georgia, Serbia, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain.
● Camel Meat: Import is permitted from only five countries: Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Pakistan, and Ethiopia.
● Poultry: Importing poultry meat specifically requires an import permit, and it is permitted to import from the following Islamic countries: Oman, Jordan, Turkey, and Pakistan, in addition to other countries which are Thailand, Russia, the United States of America, France, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, Brazil, Ireland, Ukraine, and Argentina.
Third: Adhering to Safety Procedures
Initially, it is important to understand the types of meat according to their temperature as follows:
1. Fresh Meat: This is meat suitable for human consumption taken from the slaughter of healthy animals according to the provisions of Islamic Sharia, and the properties of the meat have not changed or been treated in a way that increases its shelf life, and its temperature is within room temperature.
2. Chilled Meat: This is fresh meat that is stored immediately after slaughter in a chilling room for a period not exceeding 24 hours.
3. Frozen Meat: This is fresh meat that has been chilled and then frozen at a temperature between -18 and -35 degrees Celsius.
According to the Meat Safety and Preservation Guide issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the general requirements for slaughter include that the meat must be from animals slaughtered according to the provisions of Islamic Sharia and fully bled. Slaughtering animals treated with veterinary drugs is also prohibited. The carcass should be prepared immediately after slaughter by removing the skin, entrails, head, and limbs, taking care not to contaminate the meat with the contents of the internal organs.
As for the washing stage, it must be done using clean drinking water suitable for human consumption, and the surface of the meat must be free of dirt, microorganisms, and signs of spoilage and damage.
Fourth: Completing Customs Clearance
Customs clearance means submitting the required documents to the customs department at the port of entry, so that the customs department can begin inspecting the imported products and ensuring that they meet all legal requirements, and then release them so that the importer can receive their shipment. The importer must begin customs clearance procedures, submit the necessary documents, and create the customs declaration at least 48 hours before the shipment arrives at the port. Through a customs broker like Border Support Company, they can submit and upload the data immediately upon the availability of the necessary documents via the “Fasah” platform, which allows the importer to track the shipment’s path within the customs department or before its arrival and receive instant alerts.
The initial documents required on the “Fasah” platform include the Importers’ Declaration, which is a declaration form issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in which the importer pledges that the number of foodstuff consignments in the Gregorian year will not exceed 5 consignments and their total weight will not exceed 2000 kg. In it, they also bear responsibility for the procedures that the Authority will take against their establishment in case of non-compliance with the declaration. The declaration includes data about the establishment’s name, address, ID or residency number, and mobile number, in addition to the commercial registration number.
In addition to the Importer’s Declaration, the following documents must be submitted:
– Product card image (item).
– Product image.
– Copy of the certificate of origin.
– Import declaration issued by the port customs.
– Purchase invoice.
– Slaughter certificates according to Islamic law.
– Packing list.
– Bill of lading.
– Purchase invoice.
– Clearance permit.
We have quickly reviewed the most important stages that anyone who wants to import meat into Saudi Arabia goes through. Do not hesitate to contact us at Border Support for customs clearance before your next shipment arrives, so that our experts specializing in clearing meat from customs can provide you with all the necessary assistance to complete the inspection process and receive your shipment smoothly and quickly.
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