Saudi Arabia Introduces New Requirements – Polish Companies Must Prepare for Change
Starting October 1, 2025, every company exporting goods to Saudi Arabia will be required to obtain a Shipment Certificate in the SABER system. This must be done before submitting a customs declaration. “Without the certificate, customs clearance will not be possible,” warns Joanna Porath, owner of the customs agency AC Porath.
Polish companies should begin preparing now to meet the new requirements and avoid customs clearance issues for their goods. For some exporters, conformity certification by an accredited body will be required, while for others, a self-declaration in the SABER system will be sufficient.
“The purpose of these changes is to strengthen product safety and simplify import procedures. It is a revolutionary change for all companies exporting to Saudi Arabia,” emphasizes Joanna Porath from AC Porath Customs Agency.
The Scale of EU–Saudi Arabia Trade
Jeddah and Dammam are the most popular destination ports for European and Polish exports to Saudi Arabia. The dynamically developing Saudi market continues to create more and more opportunities for entrepreneurs.
In 2024, the total EU exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to approximately USD 39.21 billion. The main categories of EU exports included:
- Machinery and industrial equipment (machines for the oil and gas industry, construction machinery, electrical and electrotechnical devices)
- Pharmaceutical and chemical products (medicines and supplements, cosmetics and hygiene products, industrial chemicals)
- Vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, spare parts, transport equipment)
- Agri-food products (poultry meat, dairy products, processed foods, cereals and feed)
- Luxury goods (jewelry, watches, furniture, clothing)
In January 2025, the eurozone recorded an export surplus of approximately EUR 0.732 billion in trade with Saudi Arabia.
In the first quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia’s imports from EU countries totaled about SAR 52.2 billion, confirming the significant scale of bilateral trade.
What Does Poland Export to Saudi Arabia?
Poland holds a particularly strong position in several key export segments to Saudi Arabia:
Poultry meat – Poland is one of the main suppliers of halal chicken, making this one of the most important sectors of Polish exports.
Ceramics and building materials – Poland is a major exporter of ceramics, tiles, and bathroom fittings.
Furniture and interior furnishings – Polish furniture is highly valued on the Saudi market for its excellent price-to-quality ratio.
Cosmetics and hygiene products – including luxury items, which are increasingly popular among Saudi consumers.
ATA Carnet – A Facilitation for Exhibitors
Saudi Arabia also hosts numerous international trade fairs and conferences. Companies participating in such events can send exhibition goods under an ATA Carnet.
“This is a special international customs document that eliminates the complex customs procedures related to temporary import. The carnet holder does not need to complete a SAD document, submit customs declarations, or pay deposits at every border crossing,” explains Joanna Porath, owner of AC Porath Customs Agency.
The ATA Carnet was developed by the Customs Cooperation Council with the assistance of the International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce, operating under the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris.
It enables and streamlines temporary customs clearance for goods exported for promotional and exhibition purposes.
