The Saudi Customs Authority announced recently that effective 1st February 2009, all cargo arriving to the ports in the Saudi Arabia must have the 'mark of origin' (Made in ____) engraved or affixed using a non removable sticker on each item and the boxes or cartons. Removable and paper stickers are not allowed.

The directive indicated that any shipment that fails to fulfill the new ruling will be returned to its origin port at the shipper or consignee's cost. Affixing the mark of origin at the entry ports is prohibited.

Meanwhile in its bid to counter congestion at seaports, The Ministry has decided that effective 1st March 2009, the free demurrage period at ports had been reduced from 13 days to 10 days for goods and 5 days for vehicle.

Malaysian exporters to Saudi Arabia need to take note of the new rulings and take the necessary steps to avoid complications and added costs. For further information please email TC Jeddah at jeddah@matrade.gov.my