Unlocking Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Growth Through Chemical & Raw Material Importation
Saudi Arabia is undergoing an unprecedented transformation fueled by Vision 2030, with a strong focus on industrial development, chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, construction, and energy transition technologies. This industrial expansion has significantly increased demand for a wide range of chemicals, raw materials, and intermediaries, essential to support production, R&D, infrastructure, and innovation.
However, importing chemical products into the Kingdom is a highly regulated process. It involves numerous authorities, platforms, and compliance obligations such as SABER registration, SFDA approval, HCIS security regulations, and MoI clearance, depending on the nature and classification of the substance.
At The Saudi Gate, we specialize in helping global businesses import chemical substances, industrial raw materials, intermediates, and specialized compounds into Saudi Arabia by offering end-to-end regulatory, licensing, and customs clearance support.
Why Chemicals & Intermediates Matter in Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing base is rapidly diversifying, driving a consistent demand for:
- Basic chemicals (acids, alkalis, solvents, etc.)
- Specialty chemicals (additives, polymers, coatings)
- Industrial gases (oxygen, nitrogen, CO₂)
- Agrochemicals (pesticides, fertilizers)
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients
- Construction materials and additives
- Electronic chemicals and semiconductors
- Renewable energy inputs (e.g., lithium, rare earths)
These chemicals and intermediates are crucial for a wide range of downstream sectors including:
- Petrochemicals and plastics
- Food and beverage processing
- Pharmaceuticals and biotech
- Agriculture and aquaculture
- Automotive and battery manufacturing
- Construction and paints
- Electronics and semiconductors
The Saudi Gate provides the expertise and representation needed to bring these critical inputs into Saudi Arabia legally, safely, and efficiently.
Key Regulatory Bodies Involved in Chemical Imports
Importing chemicals and raw materials to Saudi Arabia involves coordination with multiple regulatory and security agencies. Each plays a role depending on the nature, risk profile, and use-case of the substance.
1. SASO and the SABER Platform
The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) governs product conformity and technical standards. All chemical imports—regulated and non-regulated—must be registered and certified through the SABER platform.
- Products classified as regulated require:
- Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
- Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
- Products classified as non-regulated still need an SCoC to clear customs.
SASO technical regulations are especially important for:
- Detergents and cleaning agents
- Fertilizers
- Paints and coatings
- Construction chemicals
2. Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR)
For chemicals used in industrial manufacturing, importers may require approval or licensing from MIMR, especially for:
- Bulk industrial solvents
- Mining and mineral processing reagents
- Industrial gases and petrochemical derivatives
3. SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority)
For chemicals intended for use in:
- Food additives
- Pharmaceutical active ingredients (APIs)
- Cosmetic substances
- Veterinary drugs
- Nutritional supplements
Registration with the SFDA system and local representation are mandatory. The Saudi Gate provides Authorized Representative services and Ghad system registration for chemical substances under SFDA scope.
4. High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS)
Chemicals classified as hazardous, flammable, corrosive, toxic, or otherwise security-sensitive require approval by HCIS. This includes:
- Explosive precursors
- Laboratory chemicals in bulk quantities
- Gas cylinders
- Inflammable solvents
HCIS may also demand documentation such as:
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Storage and handling plans
- Facility security plans
The Saudi Gate supports full HCIS compliance, including security audits, site approvals, and submission preparation.
5. ZATCA (Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority)
ZATCA enforces import clearance protocols and requires:
- Harmonized System (HS) Code classification
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Country of origin documentation
- PCoC/SCoC certificates
- Importer of Record (IOR) information
Product Classification & Chemical Regulatory Categories
A critical first step in importing chemicals is identifying what regulatory pathway applies. The Saudi Gate performs a full product classification analysis to determine if the product is:
- Regulated by SASO (via SABER) – e.g., household cleaners
- Classified as a controlled chemical by HCIS – e.g., ethanol, acetone
- Subject to SFDA oversight – e.g., food-safe preservatives
- Eligible for import under industrial licenses – e.g., base solvents
- Excluded from import or requiring special security handling
We manage classification, documentation, and obtain any special permits or pre-import approvals from the right authorities.
Labeling and Documentation Requirements for Imported Chemicals
Chemical products imported to Saudi Arabia must comply with local labeling and documentation laws. Requirements include:
- Arabic labeling of chemical names and hazards
- GHS-compliant hazard pictograms and signal words
- Manufacturer and importer name and address
- Batch number and expiry date (if applicable)
- Proper documentation: MSDS, technical datasheets, and test reports
Incorrect or non-compliant labeling can result in shipment rejection, delays, or fines. The Saudi Gate provides:
- Label review and translation
- Compliance consulting for packaging and transport
- Risk analysis and cargo classification
Importer of Record (IOR) and Authorized Representative Services
Most foreign manufacturers of chemicals and intermediaries must appoint a local IOR or Authorized Representative to bring their products into Saudi Arabia.
This is a mandatory role responsible for:
- Acting as legal liaison with authorities
- Filing applications and certifications
- Handling customs interactions
- Ensuring post-market compliance
The Saudi Gate acts as your official Importer of Record or Authorized Representative in Saudi Arabia, allowing you to distribute products without opening a physical branch or subsidiary.
Supporting Global Businesses in Strategic Sectors
Our services are tailored for companies operating in:
- Petrochemicals & Refining: importing catalysts, surfactants, lubricants
- Pharmaceuticals: APIs, solvents, buffers, excipients
- Agriculture: fertilizers, micronutrients, biopesticides
- Construction: adhesives, water repellents, concrete admixtures
- Electronics & EV Batteries: semiconductors, lithium salts, electrolytes
- Food & Beverage: additives, colorants, preservatives
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: fragrances, emollients, active ingredients
From container loads to specialty batches—we provide custom solutions for every type of business.
Logistics, Customs, and Clearance Support
Importing chemicals also involves handling logistical challenges such as:
- DG (Dangerous Goods) classification
- Port clearance and storage
- Tanker handling and unloading
- Transport within Saudi Arabia
- HS Code identification and customs valuation
We offer:
- Import documentation reviews
- Freight forwarder coordination
- IOR-linked customs filing
- Port clearance follow-through
- Packaging and waste disposal consultation
The Saudi Gate Value Proposition
Our solutions are end-to-end. We help with:
- Product classification and compliance planning
- Platform registration (SABER, SFDA, MIMR)
- Certificate acquisition (PCoC, SCoC, SFDA)
- IOR and Authorized Representative services
- Labeling and document compliance
- Customs clearance and shipment tracking
- Ongoing regulatory updates and renewal support
We work with global chemical manufacturers, regional distributors, and industrial buyers who need reliable entry into the Saudi market.
Why Choose The Saudi Gate?
- ✅ In-depth knowledge of chemical regulations and safety codes
- ✅ Direct experience with SABER, SFDA, HCIS, and ZATCA systems
- ✅ Streamlined processing to reduce import time and cost
- ✅ Reliable partner for IOR, AR, and customs representation
- ✅ Client-focused solutions for companies of all sizes
Ready to Import Chemicals or Raw Materials into Saudi Arabia?
Whether you are supplying for a major Saudi industrial project, opening new regional markets, or meeting demand from clients inside the Kingdom, product compliance and regulatory approvals are non-negotiable.
The Saudi Gate helps you navigate these requirements with clarity, speed, and professionalism.
Contact us today and let us help you successfully register, certify, import, and distribute your chemicals and industrial raw materials in Saudi Arabia.