The certifications required for international air freight to the Middle East vary depending on the country and product type, and there are many considerations when clearing customs.
In this article, Weefreight will provide detailed explanations, hoping it will be helpful.
Required Certifications
General Requirements
COC Certification: Applicable to countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Exports to these countries generally require valid product test reports, and different product styles and series require corresponding test reports.
Specific Industry Certifications
Electrical and Electronic Products: Saudi Arabia requires SASO certification for electronic products such as household appliances, lighting equipment, and mobile phones, and also accepts IECEE certification. Furthermore, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also require GCC certification for some electrical and electronic products.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar require a PIF (Product Information File) for cosmetics and skincare products.
Food, health supplements, pharmaceuticals, etc.: Many countries in the Middle East require halal certification for food and cosmetics. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia requires SFDA registration for food, health supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries require MOH certification for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and health supplements. GCC member countries also require GSO halal certification for food and beverages.
Medical devices: Many countries in the Middle East require ISO 13485 certification for medical devices.
Other Certifications
RoHS certification: Applicable to electronic and electrical products in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, it requires compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) regulations, ensuring that products do not contain harmful ingredients such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Customs Clearance Notes
Document Preparation
Basic Documents: You must prepare a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. The commercial invoice should clearly indicate the HS code, quantity, unit price, and total price of the goods. The packing list must match the actual goods. The consignor and consignee information on the bill of lading must be accurate and consistent with the customs clearance documents.
Customs Code: Effective January 1, 2025, DHL shipments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain must provide a full 12-digit customs code. Failure to provide this code or providing an incorrect code may result in customs clearance delays, fines, or even direct return of shipments.
Embassy Certification: Some Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Iran, require embassy certification of customs documents. This means taking the commercial invoice and certificate of origin to the local Chinese embassy for stamping. This process must be scheduled in advance.
Cargo Restrictions
Religious and Cultural Restrictions: Most countries in the Middle East are Islamic, and the import of pork, its products, and alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Other Restrictions: The import of narcotics, firearms and ammunition, and endangered plants and animals and their products is prohibited. Furthermore, counterfeit, substandard, or infringing products, as well as goods that fail to meet hygiene and safety standards, will be detained and handled according to law.
Declaration Requirements
Declared values must be truthful to avoid being discovered by customs for under-declared values, which could lead to cargo detention and fines.
Labeling and Packaging Requirements
The label must contain product information in English or Arabic, including the name, specifications, place of origin, and expiration date. The packaging must be sturdy and take into account local climate conditions, such as moisture and sun protection.
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