Exporting to Saudi Arabia A Step-by-Step Guide for Global Exporters

Saudi Arabia is quietly spending billions on imports, and most exporters aren’t paying attention to the incredible opportunities waiting for them. With a thriving economy, the country is striving for diversification through its ambitious Vision 2030 program, positioning the Kingdom as one of the most promising markets for global exporters.

If you are an exporter who is still thinking about whether to export to Saudi Arabia or not, you are probably leaving thousands of dollars on the table. This is not just a market of success; it’s a market that rewards quality, compliance, and strong business relationships.

Let Me Show You How Exporting to Saudi Arabia Can Be Your Next Big Move and How To Keep Your Products Compliant To Enter This Promising Market.

Why Export to Saudi Arabia?

You might be asking, “Why should I care about exporting to Saudi Arabia? Or what makes it such a goldmine for businesses like mine?”

Currently, Saudi Arabia is actively importing goods and growing its import market, but not many people or businesses are paying attention to it.

Here’s The Breakdown of the Top Benefits of Exporting to Saudi Arabia:

1) Growing Economy

Saudi Arabia has the largest economy in the Middle East, with a GDP exceeding $1 trillion. That creates real demand for food and beverage, consumer goods, healthcare & pharma, construction materials, tech solutions and services.

2) Strategic Location

For innovative startups, small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), or enterprise shippers, Saudi Arabia is considered a crossroad between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This means faster shipping procedures, easier logistics, and access to multiple regions all in one place.

3) Government Support

Saudi Vision 2030 and related programs are actively diversifying the economy, building infrastructure, and creating incentives for non-oil exports and foreign investment. There are dedicated export programs and initiatives aimed at helping Saudi and foreign exporters obtain new markets and comply with local rules.

4) Local Partnerships

Perhaps most importantly, building strong relationships with reputable Saudi importers or distributors can significantly accelerate your market entry and ensure long-term growth in Saudi Arabia. These partners possess in-depth knowledge of the local regulatory landscape, enabling them to guide exporters through compliance requirements and facilitate the necessary product registrations with relevant authorities.

5) Global Trade Agreements

As a member of both the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), Saudi Arabia offers exporters the advantage of reduced trade barriers, harmonized regulatory standards, and preferential market access across multiple countries. This membership not only facilitates smoother cross-border transactions but also opens the door to wider regional and international markets, maximising your export potential.

Now that you know why Saudi Arabia is one of the most promising destinations for exporters, the next question is clear:

How do you actually get started?

Main Steps to Export to Saudi Arabia

Here are the Most Efficient Ways to Ship Your First Product to Saudi Arabia

1.Conduct In-Depth Market Research:

First things first, conduct a deep search to check if there is an actual demand for your product in Saudi Arabia through Saudi Arabia’s import systems. Additionally, ensure that your product does not have any restrictions or require special approvals from the regulatory authorities in either Saudi Arabia or your own country. This will help you avoid any issues with shipments being held at customs clearance ports in Saudi Arabia.

2. Register Your Business:

You need to register your business with the Saudi Minister of Commerce to obtain a commercial license.

A Quick Tip: You can collaborate with a trusted, accredited Saudi body like Tabseer to streamline compliance and eliminate unnecessary complications. With in-depth knowledge of the regulatory system, established networks, and proven expertise, Tabseer ensures a seamless, efficient process from start to finish.

3.Meet the Legal Requirements

Saudi Arabia enforces strict technical regulations and product standards, and compliance is key to entering such a promising market. Before entering the market, it is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant governing bodies, such as the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), depending on their product category. This includes meeting all conformity assessment procedures, obtaining the required certificates of conformance or the Saudi Quality Mark when needed, and ensuring labelling and packaging align with Saudi specifications

4. Prepare Your Technical Documents

Documentation should be complete, accurate, and in line with Saudi requirements. This may include commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, bill of lading, and required certificates (e.g., Certificate of Conformity, Quality Marks). Having these documents ready in advance will make the next steps, including inspection, certification, and customs clearance, faster and more efficient.

5. Obtain the Required Certificates

Saudi Arabia requires several official certificates to ensure that imported products meet the Kingdom’s technical regulations, safety standards, and labelling requirements. The type of certification depends on your product category:

1. 1- Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): It confirms that your product complies with all relevant Saudi technical regulations and SASO standards. A PCoC is typically valid for one year and should be obtained before the Shipment Certificate of Conformity can be issued.
3. 2- Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): It is required for every shipment of regulated products entering Saudi Arabia. It verifies that the shipment details match the certified product and that all prerequisites are met. The SCoC is issued via the SABER platform and expires once the shipment clears customs.
5. 3- Saudi Quality Mark (SQM): A mark of excellence awarded to products that consistently meet SASO quality and safety standards. It is mandatory for certain product categories. It is not only important for entering the market, but it also gives your consumers an ultimate reason to purchase your product.
7. 4- OXO–Biodegradable Plastic Logo: It is necessary for plastic products that must comply with Saudi Arabia’s environmental and sustainability standards, ensuring the use of approved oxo-biodegradable materials.

The Top Eight Products in Saudi Arabia Can Help You Make Lots of Money

Saudi Arabia’s market is incredibly dynamic, offering significant opportunities for making money thanks to its growing, youthful population, high disposable incomes, and the ambitious Vision 2030, which promotes economic diversification and digital transformation.

Here are the Top Eight High-Demand Products in Saudi Arabia That Can Help You Make a Lot of Money:

1- Construction and Building Materials

2- Lifting Equipment

3- Electronics and Telecommunication Devices

4- Food and Beverages

5- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

6- Health and Fitness Products

7- Home Appliances and Paints

8- Children’s Toys and Entertainment Products

Why Choose Tabseer as a Conformity Company When Exporting to Saudi Arabia

Exporting to Saudi Arabia offers exceptional opportunities, but only if you can navigate its complex compliance requirements.

That’s Where Tabseer Comes In.

As an accredited Saudi conformity assessment body, Tabseer specialises in helping exporters meet all technical regulations and obtain the necessary certifications, from PCoC and SCoC issuance via the saber registration process, to Saudi Quality Mark applications and packaging labelling compliance.

With deep regulatory expertise, strong government relationships, and an established inspection network, Tabseer ensures your shipments clear customs smoothly, on time, and without unnecessary complications.

When you work with Tabseer, you’re not just tackling compliance complexities; you’re building a trusted pathway into one of the most lucrative markets in the world.