WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/SAU/1 
18 October 2006 
 
 (06-5038) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
SAUDI ARABIA 
 
  
 The following notification, dated 3 October 200 6, has been received from the Delegation of 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
 
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Outline of systems  
 1. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintains non-automatic licensing system which is 
administered in accordance with the provisions  of the new Law on Import Licensing Procedures 
which was issued by Council of Ministers No. 88 of June 2002. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Identify each licensing system maintained and st ate what products, appropriately grouped, are 
covered. 
 List of items subject to non-automatic licensing is attached as Appendix "A". 
 3. The system applies to goods origina ting in and coming from which countries? 
 The system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from all countries. 
 4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its 
purposes?  Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which?  
Why have they not been adopted? 
 No, the licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The purpose of 
licensing is to ensure that goods that do not meet the requirements of different laws, regulations or 
decisions are not imported.  Alternative methods have not been considered.  5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is maintained.  
Is the licensing statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave designation of products to be 
                                                     
 
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/SAU/1 
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  subjected to licensing to administrative discretion?  Is it possible for the government (or the executive 
branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval? 
 Licensing is maintained under Decision No. 88 of the Council of Ministers dated 6.4.1423H 
(June 2002).  The list of items subject to licensing requirements may be amended by the Minister of 
Commerce and Industry on the basis of comments received from respective government agencies.  
The system can only be abolished by a decision of the Council of Ministers. 
 
Procedures
 
  
6. For products under restriction as to the quantit y or value of imports (whether applicable 
globally or to a limited number of countries or whethe r established bilaterally or unilaterally):  (a to 
k)) 
I-XI There are no restrictions on the quantity or value of imports.  {(a) to (k) are thus not 
applicable}   
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importa tion of a product or on imports from a 
particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must appli cation for a license be made?  Can licenses be 
obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods  arriving at the port without a license (for 
example, owing to inadvertency)? 
 
 Applications for non-automatic licenses may be submitted within 21 days prior to the closing 
date of applications. 
 (b) Can a license be granted immediately on request?  
 The maximum period for deciding on license appli cations is 30 days.  However, in practice 
licenses are granted in a shorter period. 
 (c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for license 
and/or importation may be made?  If so, explain. 
 
 No limitations as to the period of the year during which applications  or importation may be 
made. 
 (d) Is consideration of license applications effected by a single administrative organ?  Or must 
the application be passed on to other organs fo r visa, note or approval?  If so, which?  Does 
the importer have to approach more  than one administrative organ? 
  Yes, by a single administrative body.  However, in some cases the body may coordinate with 
other bodies, but the applicant does not have to approach more than one administrative body. 
 8. Under what circumstances may an application fo r a license be refused other than failure to 
meet the ordinary criteria?  Are the reasons for any re fusal given to the applicant?  Have applicants a 
right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a license and, if so, to what bodies and under what 
procedures? 
Applications are not refused other than for reasons  of failure to meet the ordinary criteria.  
Reasons for refusal of a license are given upon request of the applicant.  Applicants have a right of 
appeal in the event of refusal of a license.  Th e initial appeal can be made to the Head of the  G/LIC/N/3/SAU/1 
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  administrative body within 15 days of the decision.  An appeal against the decision of the Head of the 
administrative body lies to the Board of Grievances within 30 days of the decision. 
Eligibility of imports to apply for license  
 
9. Are all persons, firms and instituti ons eligible to apply for licenses: 
 (a) under restrictive licensing systems? 
 (b) under non-restrictive systems?   If not, is there a system of registration of pers ons or firms permitted to engage in importation?  
What persons or firms are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a published list of authorised 
importers? 
  Eligibility of parties under restrictive and under non-restrictive licensing systems is the same.  
The eligible categories are as follows:  
 (i) Saudi, foreign or joint venture compan ies registered under applicable Saudi laws. 
 (ii) Natural persons listed in the Commercial Register.  (iii) Saudi Nationals and non-Saudis holding r esidence permits but not registered in the 
Commercial Register provided the importe d goods are for their personal use. 
  Imports by parties in (i) and (ii) above shall be limited to goods relate d to the scope of their 
business as inscribed in the Commercial Register. 
 
Documentation and other requireme nts for application for license
 
 
10. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What documents is the 
importer required to supply with the application? 
 The applicant has to provide description of the item/s, their value and weight, and copies of 
the invoice and the bill of lading.  11. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
 Documents required are:  the import license, original invoice and certificate of origin.  The 
last two are requirements for customs clearance and not requirements of the licensing system. 
 12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative char ge?  If so, what is the amount of the fee or 
charge? 
 There are no licensing fees or administrative charges. 
 
13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requireme nt associated with the issue of licenses?  If 
so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundabl e, the period of retention and the purpose of the 
requirement. 
 There are no deposit or advance payment require ments associated with the issue of a license. 
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  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. What is the period of validity of a license?  Ca n the validity of a license be extended?  How? 
 The period of validity of a license is one year from the date of issue.  Extension may be 
granted if it is in the public interest. 
 
15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a license or a portion of a license? 
 There is no penalty for non-utilization of a license or portion of a license. 
 16. Are licenses transferable between importers?  If so, are any limitations or conditions attached 
to such transfer? 
Licenses are not transferable between importers. 
17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a license: 
(a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
(b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
 
 No other conditions are attached.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
 No other administrative procedures. 
 19. Is foreign exchange automatically provide d by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported?  Is a license required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange ?  Is foreign exchange 
always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign 
exchange? 
 There are no foreign exchange restrictions or controls in Saudi Arabia. 
 
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