Non-Automatic products

Member:

Legislations

Product Category

Basic information

Outline of the system

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.

Product coverage

List of items subject to non-automatic licensing is attached as Appendix "A".
[Appendix "A" was not attached to G/LIC/N/3/SAU/1]

Nature of licensing

Automatic

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

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.

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

There are no restrictions on the quantity or value of imports.

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Legal requirements

Is the licensing statutorily required?

Licensing is maintained under Decision No. 88 of the Council of Ministers dated 6.4.1423H (June 2002).

Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?

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.

Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?

The system can only be abolished by a decision of the Council of Ministers.

Eligibility of applicants

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

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 companies registered under applicable Saudi laws.
(ii) Natural persons listed in the Commercial Register.
(iii) Saudi Nationals and non-Saudis holding residence permits but not registered in the Commercial Register provided the imported goods are for their personal use.
Imports by parties in (i) and (ii) above shall be limited to goods related to the scope of their business as inscribed in the Commercial Register.

Is there a registration fee?

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

Ministry/Authority

Address

Telephone

Fax

E-mail address

Website

Contact officer

Submission of an application

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

What information is required in applications?

The applicant has to provide description of the item/s, their value and weight, and copies of the invoice and the bill of lading.

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Window of submission of an application

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

Applications for non-automatic licenses may be submitted within 21 days prior to the closing date of applications.

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

No limitations as to the period of the year during which applications or importation may be made.

Issuing the license

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

The maximum period for deciding on license applications is 30 days. However, in practice licenses are granted in a shorter period.

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

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.

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

No other conditions are attached.

Fees and other administrative charges

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

There are no licensing fees or administrative charges.

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

There are no deposit or advance payment requirements associated with the issue of a license.

Amount or rate?

Is it refundable?

What is the period of retention?

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

Applications are not refused other than for reasons of failure to meet the ordinary criteria.

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

Reasons for refusal of a license are given upon request of the applicant.

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

Applicants have a right of appeal in the event of refusal of a license.

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

The initial appeal can be made to the Head of the 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.

Importation

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?