Shipping to Saudi Arabia? Pallets now mandatory for loading imported goods

If you're shipping to Saudi Arabia (SA), please note the following information: As per communications from the Saudi Ports Authority, starting from June 1st, 2025, the use of pallets to load goods in containers will be mandatory.

Failure to adhere to the pallet requirement for containerized goods arriving at Saudi ports will result in penalties and fines in accordance with applicable Saudi laws and regulations.

Exclusions from the mandate include dry or liquid bulk materials that are loaded directly on their means of transport, such as wheat, grains, cement, gypsum, and petroleum materials, as well as raw materials stored in jumbo bags of large weights precluding their placement on pallets, heavy machinery, production equipment, and generators.

Also excluded are steel products in the form of large rolls, coils, or flats; iron rods, large pipes, scaffolding and the like; materials that are difficult to load on pallets such as insulators, cardboard, and carpets; furnishings in general; external aerated tires; and marble, stone, and granite.

If you have questions concerning the above changes, please contact our teams at your preferred location, who will be happy to guide you based on your individual situation.