RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
21May1997
ORGANIZATION(97-2113)
Original: English
ACCESSION OFTHE KINGDOM OFSAUDI ARABIA
Memorandum ontheForeign Trade Regime
Addendum
Updating ofAnnex 3
ThePermanent Mission oftheKingdom ofSaudi Arabia hastransmitted thefollowing revision
toAnnex 3ofdocument WT/ACC/SAU/4 withtherequest thatitbetransmitted tomembers ofthe
Working Party.
_______________
IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Theinformation provided hereresponds totheQuestions inAnnex 3toWT/ACC/1. Itrevises
thematerial originally presented inAnnex 3ofWT/ACC/SAU/4.
I. OUTLINE OFSYSTEMS
A. Banned Items
Items listed intheAppendix include those banned forreligious reasons: alcohol, narcotics,
prohibited animals andtheirproducts, gambling equipment (GATT Article XX(a)).
B. Protected Items
Arestriction ismaintained ontheimport ofdates. Thisistheonlyrestriction maintained for
protective purposes. Thebanonimport ofbulkliquid milkismaintained toprevent mixing with
domestic supplies which could result inconsumer deception.
C. Controlled Items
TheAppendix listsitems ofwhich entry isrestricted foravariety ofproposes described in
Section II.Imports ofsuchitems arepermitted ifconditions forlicensing aremet.
Note: Saudi Arabia maintains noquotas orother forms ofquantitative restriction. There areno
automatic licensing requirements.
Thedescription thatfollows doesnotcover "Certificates ofConformity" required forproducts
regulatedundertheInternationalConformityCertificationProgram(ICCP).Thecertificationrequirement
would notseem tofallwithin thescope ofthedefinition oflicensing contained inArticle 1.1ofthe
Import Licensing Agreement. Products regulated under theICCP arelisted inWT/ACC/SAU/6/Add.1.
Theprocedures followed aredescribed inWT/ACC/SAU/9. TheGATT justification isArticle XI:2(b)
and/or Article XX(b).WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page2
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OFSYSTEMS
A. ForCoverage seeAppendix which listsitems theentry ofwhich iscontrolled forthefollowing
purposes:
1. items whose importation islimited toauthorized government agencies forreasons ofnational
security (e.g.military gunsandammunition, nightbinoculars, radios withcertain wavebandreception);
justification isArticle XXI;
2. items thatmaybeimported byprivate enterprises thatcansatisfy theresponsible authority
thattheimports aretobeusedforlegitimate purposes; examples areexplosives, industrial alcohol,
alcohol-based perfumery anddistilling equipment, andhighquality photocopiers; justifications are,
respectively, Articles XXI, XX(a) andXX(d);
3. chemicals (including radio-active materials): ithasbeendecided tocontrol allitems since
chemicals canbeusedinoneormoreillegal activities including themanufacture ofdrugs andexplosives;
moreover, anumber ofchemicals carry ahighriskofenvironmental degradation andrisktohuman
health. Responsibility forapproval depends ontypeofchemical. Ministries involved inapproval are:
Commerce, Interior andIndustry. Justifications areArticles XX(b) andXXI;
4. foodproducts thatarecontrolled forthepurposes ofensuring thattheycontain nomaterial
thatisitself banned onreligious grounds, e.g.animal fatsandoilandfoodstuffs containing animal
products (Article XX(a));
5. items thatcould beimported forthepurpose ofcommitting fraud suchasblank invoices bearing
titlesofforeign companies; suchmaterial ispermitted entry when imported forlegitimate purposes
(Article XX(d));
6. published printed, audio orvideo material which maybeimported afterreview toensure that
material doesnotoffend pubic morality orSecurity (Articles XX(a) andXXI);
7. agricultural pesticides; control ismaintained toensure maintenance ofhealth andenvironmental
protection standards (Article XX(b));
8. plant seeds andcuttings andlivehorses arerestricted toensure compliance withestablished
standards forplant varieties andanimal strains (Article XI:2(b)).
B. Allcontrols areapplied toallcountries.
C. Licensing requirements arenotintended torestrict thequantity ofimports. Their purposes
aretosafeguard religion, public morality andnational security, prevent crime, ensure observance of
Saudi Arabia 'sinternational commitments, protect human andanimal health andplant standards and
thenational environment. TheGovernment ofSaudi Arabia doesnotconsider thatalternative methods
forachieving these objectives areavailable.
D. Thelegalbasisforcontrols arecitedbelow. Inallcases, licensing islegally required. Aroyal
Decree would beneeded toabolish anyofthelicensing system inplace.WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page3
Legal Authorities (Selected Items)
(i) Cuttings, Seedlings andSeeds (Chapter 6to10):
Decree number 77dated 28/1/1395 AHandnumber 50dated 13/7/1410 AH,issued bythe
Council ofMinisters.
(ii) Medicaments, Medical anAlcoholic Preparations (Chapter 30):
Royal Decree number M/18/1398 dated 18/1398 AH.
(iii) Alcoholic Preparations forIndustrial (Non-medical) Purposes (2207 and2208):
Royal Decree number M/18/1398 dated 18/1398 AH.
(iv) Radioactive Chemicals (Chapters 28and29):
Letter oftheMinister ofInterior number 26/S/3098 dated 10/12/1395 AH.
(v) Explosives (Chapter 36)
Letter oftheMinister ofInterior number 26/S/3098 dated 10/12/1395 AH.
(vi) Agricultural Pesticides (3808):
Decree number 19dated 10/1/1396 AHissued bytheCouncil ofMinisters.
(vii) Agricultural Equipment andMachinery (8432 and8433):
Decree number 77dated 28/1/1395 AHissued bytheCouncil ofMinisters.
(viii) Distilling Plant (8419):
Royal Decree number 9588/M dated 25/5/1395 AH.
(ix) Radio-Communication Apparatus (8525):
Decrees issued bytheCouncil ofMinisters under number 673dated 15/6/1390 AHand
number 730dated 20/7/1392 AH.
(x) Computer Screening Equipment forFake Currency (9022):
Letter ofMinistry ofFinance number 3203/404 dated 19/6/1404 AH.
(xi) Allkinds ofArms andAmmunition (Chapter 93):
Decree issued bytheMinister ofInterior under number 45/S/3382 dated 1/8/1407 based on
Article 37oftheArms andAmmunition Act.
(xii) Antiques (9706):
Cultural andNatural Heritage Protection Convention. Saudi Arabia isamember ofthis
Convention.
(xiii) LiveHorses (0101):
Telegram from theDeputy Premier under 14354 dated 9/1/1399 AH.
III. PROCEDURES
1. Saudi Arabia maintains norestrictions astothequantity orvalue ofimports.
2. (a) There isnosettimeforapplications forlicenses tobemade. Applications maybe
made atanytimebefore shipment from portofexport, during shipment orafterarrival ata
Saudi Port.WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page4
(b) Incertain circumstances alicense canbegranted immediately onrequest: forexample
when anapplicant, wellknown totheauthorities, isapplying toimport products forwhich
licenses havebeenissued tohiminthepast.
(c) Applications forallitems areaccepted onanyworking dayatanytimeoftheyear.
(d) Certain applications mayrequire approval bymore thanonesetofauthorities. For
example certain types ofchemical canbeusedforfertilizers aswellasexplosives. Thusbefore
issuing alicense theMinistry ofCommerce would seektheadvice oftheMinistry ofInterior.
3. Licenses mayberefused iftheapproving Ministry orAgency considers thattheapplicant has
failed todemonstrate thatthenecessary conditions forapproval havebeenmet.Thereasons forrefusal
willbegiven totheapplicant unless national security considerations apply Unsuccessful applications
mayappeal totheresponsible Minister/agency head.
IV. ELIGIBILITY OFIMPORTERS TOAPPLY FOR ALICENSE
1. Eligibility toimport maybelimited tothegovernment anditsagencies, e.g.weaponry ofwar.
Forcommercial imports, there isnosystem ofregistration andthere arenopublished listsofeligible
importers.Unlessfoundtohaveabusedaconditionoflicense,enterprisesthathavealreadybeenlicensed
toimportarestricteditemwouldbeeligibletocontinuetoimportthesameorsimilaritems.Applications
fromenterprises notpreviously importing arestricted itemwould beapproved iftheauthorities were
satisfied thattheimporting enterprise could provide sufficient assurance thattheimport would beused
legitimate purposes, e.g.distilling equipment, industrial alcohol, explosives, sporting gunsandhigh
fidelity photocopiers.
There isnoregistration feeforlicense applicants.
V. DOCUMENTATIONANDOTHERREQUIREMENTSFORAPPLICATIONFORLICENSES
1. Applicants forlicenses donotusesetforms. Aletter signed byanauthorized official ofthe
enterprise showing name, address, IDScardorCommercial Registration willnormally beaccepted.
Thequantity, typeandsource ofimportation willnormally beaccepted. Thequantity, typeandsource
ofimportation shallbespecified bytheimporter forthepurpose ofobtaining alicense.
2. Thelicenseissuingauthorityprovidesawrittenauthorizationtoimportwhichwouldbesubmitted
bytheimporter toCustoms along withshipping andother documentation necessary forclearance of
aconsignment.
3. There isnolicensing feeoradministrative charge.
4. There isnodeposit oradvance payment requirement associated withissue ofalicense.
VI. CONDITIONS OFLICENSING
1. Licenses arenormally valid foramaximum period of12months. Validity ofalicense may
beextended.
2. There isnopenalty fornon-use ofalicense.
3. Licenses arenottransferable between importers.WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page5
4. Theonlyconditions arethose described inSections IIIandIVabove.
VII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Apart fortheusual customs documentation and(where therearecompulsory SASO standards)
certificates ofstandards conformity, there arenoother administrative procedures.
2. Foreign exchange isautomatically available.WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page6
APPENDIX
ListofRestricted (Banned andControlled) Items inSaudi Arabia
Notes:
1. "Banned" items maynotbeimported.
2. Certain controlled items maybeimported byindividuals andenterprises subject toapproval
bytheMinistry identified.
3. Other controlled items maybeimported byindividuals andenterprises subject toapproval by
theMinistry identified.
4. Before approving entryofallmeat, plants andagricultural products, Customs submits asample
oftheimported consignment toacompetent laboratory forresting andapproval. Forliveanimals,
quarantines mayberequired.
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
01011110
01011190
01011910
01011920
01011990Arab breed
horsesimport approval
from Chivalry
Clubtomaintain the
Arab breedXI:2(b)
01031000 liveswines banned religious XX(a)
01039100 liveswines banned religious XX(a)
01039200 liveswines banned religious XX(a)
01041010 livesheep and
goatsimport approval
from Ministry of
Agriculture and
Water (MOAW)toprevent import
from epidemic
areasXX(b)
01042010 livesheep and
goatsimport approval
from Ministry of
Agriculture and
Water (MOAW)toprevent import
from epidemic
areasXX(b)
01042090 livesheep and
goatsimport approval
from Ministry of
Agriculture and
Water (MOAW)toprevent import
from epidemic
areasXX(b)
02031100
02031200
02031900
02032100
02032200
02032900meatofswine,
fresh, chilled or
frozenbanned religious XX(a)
02050090 meatofhorses,
otherbanned religious XX(a)WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page7
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
02063000
02064100
02064900
02101100
02101200
02101900edible offalof
swinebanned religious XX(a)
0209 products of
animalsapproval from
MOAWtoprevent imports
ofbanned productsXX(a)
04010000 long-life
pasteurized milk
inpacking
exceeding 1litrebanned prevention of
deceptive practicesXX(d)
05021000 pigs'hairand
waste thereofbanned religious XX(a)
exchs.6to
10cuttings, seedling
andseedsapproval by
MOAWstandards XI2(b)
08011000 dates banned protection None
09082000 nutmeg banned (narcotic) religious XX(a)
12079100 poppy seeds banned religious XX(a)
12079910 poppy heads banned religious XX(a)
12079920 hemp seeds banned religious XX(a)
12119020 black poppy banned religious XX(a)
13021100 opium banned religious XX(a)
13021910 hashish banned religious XX(a)
15010030 pigfats banned religious XX(a)
16024100 hams andcutsof
swinebanned religious XX(a)
16024200 cutsofswine banned religious XX(a)
22030010 alcoholic beer banned religious XX(a)
22041000
22042100
22042900
22043000
22051000
22059000wineand
vermouthbanned religious XX(a)
22060000 fermented
beveragesbanned religious XX(a)
22071010 ethyl alcohol,
80%vol.for
medical useapproval from
Ministry ofHealth
(MOH)prevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)
22071090 other approval from
Ministry of
Industry (MOI)prevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page8
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
22072011 ethyl alcohol,
80%vol.for
medical useapproval from
MOHprevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)
22072019 other approval from
MOIprevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)
22072090
22082000
22083000
22084000
22085000alcoholic
beveragesbanned religious XX(a)
22089011 ethyl alcohol
80%vol.for
medical useapproval from
MOHprevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)
22089019
22089090ethyl alcohol for
other usesapproval from
Ministry of
Industry, MOHprevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)
23070010 winelees approval from
MOI, MOHprevent abuse of
religious banXX(a)
Chapter 28
Chapter 29allchemicals approval from
Ministry of
Commerce,
Industry, Interior
(according totype)Security, health and
environment (see
Section II:1(c)in
text)XXIand
XX(b)
Chapter 30 pharmaceutical
products,
narcotics and
controlled drugsapproval MOH prevent abuse of
religious ban
(narcotic) and
maintain health
standardsXX(a) and
XX(b)
3601 propellant
powderapproval from
MOIsecurity XXI
3602 explosives approval from
MOIsecurity XXI
3603 detonating fuses approval from
MOIsecurity XXI
3604 fireworks approval from
MOIsecurity XXI
370610ex
ch.498524printed material
andaudio video
tapesapproval from
Ministry of
Informationreligious and
securityXX(a) and
XXIWT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page9
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
38081010
38081020
38081030
38081090
38082000
38083000
38084000
38089000pesticides approval from
Ministry of
Agriculturestandards XX(b)
3813 preparations and
charges forfire
extinguishersapproval from
MOIsecurity XXI
38210000 prepared culture
fordevelopment
ofmicro-
organismsapproval from
MOHhealth protection XX(b)
38220000 diagnostic
reagentsapproval from
MOHhealth protection XX(b)
39122000 cellulose nitrates approval from
MOI, Arms &
Explosives Dept.security XX(b)
4749 publicity for
tobacco productsbanned health protection XX(b)
4907 blank invoices government
agencies onlyprevent deceptive
practicesXX(d)
49070011
49070012
49070019
49070020postage or
revenue stampsgovernment
agencies onlyprevent deceptive
practicesXX(d)
exch.50to
ch.70representation of
religious script
andsigns mainly
butnot
exclusively on
textile floor
coveringsbanned religious XX(a)
7102 fakediamonds banned prevention of
deceptive practiceXX(d)
8401 nuclear reactors,
fuelelements etc.approval from
MOIsecurity andhealth XXIand
XX(b)
8419and
otherdistilling
equipmentapproval from
MOItoensure against
illicit useXX(a)
8432
8433agricultural
equipmentapproval from
MOAWcompliance with
approved
specificationsXX(d)WT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page10
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
84425000 printing type
blocks, plates
etc.MOI, Criminal
Evidence Dept.security XXI
84721000 highquality
photocopiersapproval form
MOIprevention of
deceptive practiceXX(d)
85252019
85252020
85252030
85252040
85252050
85252060
85252090transmission
apparatusMOI, Telecom
Dept.Security XXI
85261000
85269100
85269200radar apparatus prior approval
requiredSecurity XXI
8529 parts foruse
solely or
principally with
theapparatus of
heading numbers
8525to8528banned Security XXI
85311000 burglar orfire
alarmsMOI approval Security XXI
88019020 balloons and
gliders for
military purposesMODA only Security XXI
88021110 other aircraft for
military purposesMODA only Security XXI
88109090 other balloons
andglidersMODA only Security XXI
88021190 other aircraft MODA only Security XXI
88021210 formilitary
purposesMODA only Security XXI
88021290 other aircraft MODA only Security XXI
88022010 formilitary
purposesMODA only Security XXI
88022020 airplanes and
other aircraft of
anunloaded
weight not
exceeding
2000 kgcompetent
government
agencies onlysecurity XXI
88022020 ---other approval from
MODAsecurity XXIWT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page11
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
88023010 ---for military
purposesMODA only security XXI
88023020 ---for
government
agenciescompetent
government
agency onlysecurity XXI
88023090 ---other approval from
MODAsecurity XXI
88024010 ---for military
purposesMODA only security XXI
88024090 ---other approval from
MODAsecurity XXI
88025010 spacecraft and
spacecraft launch
vehiclesMODA only security XXI
88025020 for
meteorological
purposescompetent
government
agency onlysecurity XXI
88025090 ---other approval from
MODA onlysecurity XXI
88031010 parts ofgoods of
heading number
8801or8802--
-formilitary
equipmentMODA only security XXI
88031020 --for
meteorological
equipmentcompetent
government
agency onlysecurity XXI
88031090 ---other approval from
MODAsecurity XXI
88032010 under-carriages
andparts thereof
--formilitary
purposesMODA only security XXI
88032020 ---for
meteorological
purposescompetent
government
agency onlysecurity XXI
88032090 ---other approval from
MODAsecurity XXI
88033010 other parts of
airplanes or
helicopters:
equipmentMODA only security XXI
88033090 -other approval from
MODAsecurity XXIWT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page12
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
88039010 ---for
meteorological
equipmentapproval from
MODA onlysecurity XXI
88039020 --formilitary
purposesMODA only security XXI
88039090 ---for other
equipmentcompetent
government
agency onlysecurity XXI
88040010 parachutes and
rotochutes:
---for military
purposesMODA only security XXI
88040020 --for
meteorological
purposescompetent
government
agency onlysecurity XXI
88040090 ---other approval from
MODAsecurity XXI
88051000 aircraft and
launching gear
etc.approval from
MODAsecurity XXI
88052000 ground flying
trainers andparts
thereofapproval from
MODAsecurity XXI
8901 cruise ships,
excursion boats
etc.approval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
8902 fishing vessels,
factory ships etc.approval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
8903 yachts andother
vessels etc.approval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
8904 tugsandpusher
craftapproval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
8905 light-vessels,
fire-floats etcapproval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
89060010 ---warships ofall
kindsMODA only security XXI
89060090 ---other MOI, Frontier
Guards approvalsecurity XXI
8907 other floating
structuresMOI, Frontier
Guards approvalsecurity XXI
90051000 binoculars competent agency
onlysecurity XXIWT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page13
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
90064000 instant print
camerasapproval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
90065100 withathrough
thelens
viewfinderapproval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
90065200 --other approval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
90065300 --other approval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
90065900 --other approval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
90049090 spectacles,
goggles andthe
likeapproval byMOI,
Frontier Guardssecurity XXI
90131000 telescopic sights
fortofitting
arms etc.approval byMOI
Arms and
Explosives Dept.security XXI
90191000 mechano-therapy
appliances etc.approval from
MOHensure observance
ofstandardsXX(b)
9022 screening
equipment for
fakecurrencyapproval from
MOIensure useby
authorized users
e.g.banksXX(d)
93010000 military weapons MODA only security XXI
93010000 revolvers and
pistolsMODA approval security XXI
9303 other firearms
etc.MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
9304 other arms MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93051000 parts and
accessories of
revolvers or
pistolsMODA approval security XXI
93052100 shotgun barrels MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93052900 --other MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93059010 forthearticle of
heading number
9301MODA approval security XXIWT/ACC/SAU/4/Add.1
Page14
Tariff
Heading No.Commodity
DescriptionNature of
Restriction and
Approval AgencyPurpose GATT
Justification:
Article
93059090 ---other MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93061000 cartridges for
riveting of
similar tools etc.MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93062110 ---for sporting
hunting ortarget
shootingMOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93062190 ---other MODA approval security XXI
93062910 cartridge cases
andother parts
thereofMOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93062990 ---other MODA approval security XXI
93063010 cartridges,
cartridge cases
andother parts
thereof for
sporting, hunting
etc.MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
93063090 ---other MODA approval security XXI
93069000 ---other MODA approval security XXI
93070010 swords,
cutlasses, lances
andsimilar arms
andparts thereof
formilitary
purposesMODA approval security XXI
93070090 ---other MOI Arms and
Explosives
approvalsecurity XXI
exch.95 3Dpictures banned religious XX(a)
ex9504 gambling
equipmentbanned religious XX(a)
9706 antiques Ministry of
Education (Dept.
ofMuseums and
Archaeology)international
conventionXX