Saudi Arabia has approved a new import licensing guide, backed by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, which allows individuals to import 100 heads of sheep and goats, 15 heads of cattle, or 15 heads of camels every six months. The updated regulations shorten the previous annual allowance period down to a semiannual schedule while maintaining the exact same animal quantity limits per cycle.
New Livestock Import Schedules and Deadlines
Under the revised rules reviewed by Okaz, individuals seeking to bring livestock into the country must submit their permit applications 15 days prior to shipment. Once issued, each import permit remains valid for 60 days. Shipments are strictly limited to approved countries and must enter through the specific port designated in the official permit.
Applicants submit their requests through the Nama platform, where processing times are capped at seven working days. If a request is rejected, the applicant holds the right to request an explanation and file an appeal with the ministry within 15 days of notification. Unresolved disputes can potentially escalate further to the Board of Grievances.
Facility and Transport Mandates
The regulatory framework requires importers to prove they have a suitable housing location for live animals by presenting an official title deed or a valid lease agreement. Facilities must feature adequate feed and water troughs, along with a vehicle dipping tank at the farm entrance or an alternative manual spraying system. Shaded areas inside animal pens must cover at least 20 percent of the total pen space.
During loading and transit, the regulations dictate that livestock numbers cannot exceed 80 percent of the transport vehicle’s capacity. Importers must guarantee sufficient supplies of food and water across all phases of shipping, transit, and quarantine. Transport vehicles must be properly sterilized, individual cages must hold only a single animal type, and transit through banned countries is strictly prohibited.
Did You Know? The updated import licensing guide replaces the older version issued in 1441 AH along with its subsequent amendments, and its provisions officially take effect 30 days after publication in the official gazette.
Quarantine Controls and Regional Health Protocols
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture receives expanded authority under the guide to adjust shipment quantities based on the operational capacity of entry ports and quarantine facilities. The ministry sets arrival schedules and retains the power to suspend import permits from specific nations depending on their current epidemiological status. The framework applies stringent health rules to African livestock exporters, enforcing strict testing, vaccination thresholds, and mandatory 21-day quarantine periods for shipments arriving from countries such as Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan.
For livestock from Sudan, importers must provide mandatory lab tests, including “3 ABC Elisa” for foot-and-mouth disease, “Rose Bengal” for brucellosis, and “Elisa Competition BT” for bluetongue. Rift Valley fever must be tested using "SPECIES-MULTI Elisa" from "VET.ID" with immunity of at least 40%. These requirements are based on Article 11 of the import licensing procedures issued by Ministerial Decree No. 88 of 1423 AH.
Other Licensed Imports
The guide also establishes frameworks for other licensed goods, including early warning sirens, civilian and commercial explosives, fireworks, and air weapons for games. Importers of game air weapons must hold a valid commercial register and a current license from the Ministry of Sport. Applications for these items are sent to the Ministry of Sport and then referred to Public Security for study and issuance of the permit, with the Ministry of Interior’s Weapons and Explosives Department holding jurisdiction via paper applications.
For air rifles and antique weapons, applicants must be at least 25 and 22 years old, respectively. They must be free of criminal records, security restrictions, and diseases or disabilities that hinder the activity. Those importing antique firearms must provide identity documents, commercial registers or legal licenses, and sign a declaration that the weapons were manufactured before 1900, providing proof of the date.
Air rifle importers must provide an unconditional bank guarantee of 500,000 riyals, an electronic inventory tracking system, and Public Security approval for a weapons warehouse. They must also submit catalogs, quantity statements, and Civil Defense approval for safety requirements.
Import Livestock Every Six Months via the Nama Platform
What is the new import frequency for individuals bringing livestock into Saudi Arabia?
Individuals are permitted to import livestock every six months instead of the previous annual schedule, according to the guide approved by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi.
The approved limits allow for up to 100 heads of sheep and goats, 15 heads of cattle, or 15 heads of camels per six-month cycle.
Where must import applications be submitted, and what is the processing window?
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Nama platform, and the processing time must not exceed seven working days.
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