The mandatory use of pallets for shipping goods entering the Kingdom has been postponed until further notice

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Postponement of the decision to use pallets in shipping goods to the Kingdom

The General Authority for Ports postponed the implementation of mandatory Using pallets in Shipping goods Imports via containers will remain suspended until further notice, to mitigate geopolitical repercussions and ensure the smooth flow of global supply chains to the Kingdom’s markets.
The authority explained that this strategic postponement comes as a flexible response to the increasing pressures on international shipping lines, and as a confirmation of its commitment to enhancing the efficiency of operational processes.
She revealed that the new decision suspends the previous date for the start of mandatory implementation, which was scheduled to take effect definitively on June 1, 2026.

Reducing customs clearance time

The authority had begun a phased implementation of this executive regulation over a full year, starting from June 1, 2025, to prepare the market before the full implementation phase, which was recently suspended.
It explained that pallets, which are flat wooden structures, are primarily intended to facilitate handling and unloading operations, thus directly contributing to reducing customs clearance times for shipments.
It added that these structures play a pivotal role in protecting goods from damage and loss, in addition to enhancing the efficiency of security inspections and ensuring the safety of field personnel.

Exempt materials

Within the framework of the exempted regulatory measures, the Authority granted exemptions for dry and liquid bulk materials transported directly in vehicles, such as wheat, cement, gypsum, and petroleum products.
The exemptions also included raw materials in large "jumbo" bags that are difficult to palletize, as well as machinery, heavy equipment, production lines, and generators.
The scope of the exemption extended to cover metal products in large coils and rolls, iron bars, large pipes, scaffolding, and even raw marble, stone, and granite blocks before the manufacturing stage.
The Authority also made it possible to consider additional exemption requests for any goods that are difficult to palletize for objective reasons, upon submission of a detailed official request describing the nature of the goods.
It indicated that these special requests would be subject to in-depth technical review in joint coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, to reach an appropriate sovereign decision.
The Authority warned that it would impose strict penalties and fines, in accordance with applicable national legislation, should any failure to comply with the decision be detected upon its effective implementation in the future.
At the end of its circular, it directed all shipping agents to inform importers and shipping lines of the usage instructions, to ensure that updates reach all customers benefiting from Saudi ports.