15.11.04New Hazmat Import Rules in Saudi Arabia

With effect from November 13, 2015, ports in Saudi Arabia will not allow the discharge of any chemicals in the port except for shipments that have been pre-cleared by the customs authorities, according to shipping line sources.

The clearance permission procedure must be completed before arrival of the chemicals in the port, with delivery to the consignee within a period not exceeding 3 working days from the date of completion of the local customs formalities. A pre-clearance form must be obtained from the shipper or consignee and be submitted to the port with hazardous cargo manifests before the arrival of the ship.

Any chemical cargo that has not complied with the pre-clearance permission will be returned onto the same ship.