Against the backdrop of increasingly close trade between China and Saudi, air freight has become the preferred choice for many enterprises to transport goods due to its efficiency and convenience. However, Saudi customs has strict requirements regarding the compliance of goods. Every step, from goods classification and document preparation to customs clearance and delivery, requires precise handling to ensure the smooth arrival of goods.
Goods Classification & Core Requirements
Goods are primarily categorized into general cargo and regulated (sensitive) goods, with significant differences in preparation requirements:
- General Cargo: Refers to goods without special regulatory requirements, such as textiles, furniture, and mechanical parts. Preparation requires a commercial invoice (must be certified by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade - CCPIT), packing list, and certificate of origin. Additionally, the outer cartons must be clearly marked with "MADE IN CHINA" to ensure the origin information is visible.
- Regulated (Sensitive) Goods: This category includes items such as battery-powered products, cosmetics, food, liquids/powders, which are subject to stricter regulatory conditions. For example:Battery-powered products require UN38.3 certification and an MSDS report. Lithium batteries must comply with the UN3480 standard, and single cells must not exceed 100Wh.Cosmetics require SFDA certification, submission of ingredient lists, Arabic labels, and GSO test reports. If containing animal-derived ingredients, a declaration of source is also required.
Standardized Packaging Operations
Packaging must balance protective properties with compliance, with specific regulations for different types of goods:
- Basic Packaging Requirements: Use five-ply corrugated cardboard boxes for outer cartons uniformly. Seal seams with nylon tape, avoiding the use of iron nails or ordinary wooden pallets – the port of Riyadh mandates the use of plywood pallets, sized 48x40x6 inches, with the total weight per pallet not exceeding 500kg.
- Reinforcement for Special Cargo:
Fragile items require double filling with PE foam and bubble wrap, with the outer carton marked with a "FRAGILE" warning.
Battery products require separate insulated packaging, with the UN3480 lithium battery label affixed to the outer carton.
Ontask Express focuses on the Saudi special line, providing customers with efficient and reliable Saudi cargo, with a focus on the Middle East region. With overseas warehouses in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a self-managed Chinese delivery team, we empower Chinese products to go global and benefit all humanity!