Guide to standardizing the clearance process for imported medicines and food at ports
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics, in collaboration with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, has launched a comprehensive guide for stakeholders in the logistics sector. This guide aims to clarify the operational procedures for clearing imported medicines and food under current circumstances, providing practical examples and applications to facilitate the implementation of these procedures and ensure the smooth flow of goods.
A qualitative leap towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030
The launch of this guide comes within the context of the major strategic transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, specifically the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Historically, customs and regulatory procedures were time-consuming and involved multiple agencies, leading to processes that could seem complex to importers. With technological advancements and the move towards digitizing services, the Kingdom has worked to unify efforts among government entities to reduce customs clearance times and facilitate business operations. This approach reflects the Saudi government's commitment to developing an advanced logistics infrastructure capable of accommodating the increasing volume of trade and meeting global standards for speed and efficiency.
Pre-shipment phase
The guide outlines the procedures starting from the pre-arrival stage, where the client must register with the Food and Drug Authority as an importer according to the approved requirements. It also stipulates the provision of suitable and compliant storage space, especially for medications requiring dedicated refrigeration to maintain their quality. The importer must upload the necessary documents in advance, including the health certificate and proof of manufacture, before commencing the import process. At this stage, the guide emphasizes the importance of creating a bill of lading certified by the shipper and installing a temperature monitoring device inside the container before the goods are shipped to ensure their safety.
Steps and procedures for clearing imports of medicines and food
The procedures before a shipment arrives at the port include reviewing and uploading documents, such as the health certificate, proof of origin, and product documentation. Additionally, pre-clearance must be obtained from the relevant authorities, and the shipment must undergo a pre-inspection by the Food and Drug Authority. Upon arrival at the port, the container is handled and passed through X-ray scanners, then dispatched according to its type; dry containers are directed to the terminal yards, while refrigerated containers are connected via electrical connection platforms.
The X-ray results reveal the shipment's condition; if there is suspicion, the container is moved to the inspection area, or brought closer for sampling if necessary, while it is prepared for immediate release if the results are clear. This includes transporting the container to the appropriate storage area, whether near food warehouses for dry goods or to refrigerated warehouses for pharmaceuticals and refrigerated materials, where it is subject to inspection by customs and, if required, by the Food and Drug Administration.
The economic impact of accelerating logistics supply chains
Unifying the customs clearance process holds significant strategic importance on several levels. Locally, it contributes to enhancing food and drug security by ensuring that vital products reach markets and consumers as quickly as possible and with the highest standards of quality and safety, thus reducing the likelihood of damage to sensitive goods. Regionally, this measure strengthens the Kingdom's position as a pivotal logistics distribution hub connecting three continents, facilitating intra-regional trade. Internationally, the transparency and speed of the procedures improve the Kingdom's ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), attracting more foreign direct investment and encouraging global companies to use Saudi ports as key transit points for their commercial operations.
Meeting requirements and complying with regulations
The guide emphasizes the necessity of fulfilling several final requirements, including obtaining a delivery permit, printing the customs declaration, and pre-registering as an importer with the Food and Drug Authority, in addition to adhering to drug storage requirements. 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 platform certificate, while the second is limited to the SABER certificate only.
If the shipment is referred to the laboratory, a temporary release is issued pending the results. Procedures are completed after final release, including payment of customs duties, refilling the container if necessary, transporting it to the delivery yard, paying port and operator fees, and booking a pickup appointment. The guide also noted the possibility of shipments being rejected after inspection or sampling, with standard procedures such as re-export or destruction being followed. Temporary release may be granted for certain food items pending test results, in accordance with established regulations.
