{"id":103545,"date":"2024-06-19T11:35:56","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T11:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/octagona.com\/?p=103545"},"modified":"2025-07-02T11:49:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T11:49:48","slug":"exporting-to-saudi-arabia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/octagona.com\/en\/esportare-in-arabia-saudita\/","title":{"rendered":"Exporting to Saudi Arabia, opportunities and requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exporting to Saudi Arabia is proving to be an attractive opportunity for Italian companies looking to expand internationally. Exports to the country are also favored by the relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia<\/a>, which are in fact expanding and consolidating on several fronts.<\/p>\n

Italy aims to establish a strategic partnership with the nation as with the United Arab Emirates<\/a>, extending cooperation to areas such as renewable energy, digital and space, and taking advantage of investment opportunities offered by the Saudi Vision 2030<\/a>. This ambitious reform program aims to transform the Saudi economy by reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and promoting a service and knowledge-based economy. Special attention is given to tourism and the role of start-ups and SMEs in high value-added sectors.<\/p>\n

Thus, Vision 2030 is fostering an economic transformation that offers numerous advantages, including the development of local production chains, major infrastructure projects, and a young and growing population. In addition, the favorable business environment and tax advantages make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for Italian companies seeking new international partnerships.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Italian exports to Saudi Arabia are. increased by 19%<\/a>, reaching 4.9 billion euros, while Saudi imports decreased by 20% to 5.9 billion euros due to lower oil prices.<\/p>\n

This positive trend underscores the strategic importance of the Saudi market for Italian products, which are gaining market share over other European suppliers.<\/p>\n

Among them, Italy ranks second, behind Germany but ahead of the United Kingdom, France and Spain.<\/p>\n

\"Exporting<\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Exporting to Saudi Arabia<\/span>: what you need to know<\/span><\/h2>\n

Saudi Arabia is a member of the G20, which testifies to its global economic importance. Its strategic geographic location, situated between Europe, Asia and Africa, undoubtedly provides privileged access to these markets.<\/p>\n

Le Italian exports to Saudi Arabia<\/a> are remarkably diversified, covering a wide range of sectors including chemical-pharmaceuticals, furniture, fashion and agribusiness. The technology transfer<\/a> is particularly popular, with machinery, transportation vehicles, electrical and medical equipment accounting for nearly 50% of total exports.<\/p>\n

Italian exports to Saudi Arabia, what prospects?<\/h3>\n

Increased infrastructure and urban investment, in line with the Vision 2030 mega-projects, and steady population growth (2% annually, exceeding 36 million), suggest future export growth in the construction and design sectors. Other promising sectors include healthcare, with growing demand for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and fashion, where the Made in Italy<\/a> continues to be a focus for Saudi consumers, especially among young people.<\/p>\n

The business environment in Saudi Arabia is constantly evolving, with reforms facilitating business activities and attracting foreign investment. The country offers significant tax advantages<\/a>, including no personal income tax, a 20% rate on business income and a 15% VAT. Numerous agreements to avoid double taxation, including those with Italy, are in place. In addition, the country provides incentives for the import of materials and equipment needed for new productive investments, facilitates the obtaining of visas, and supports joint ventures and business location.<\/p>\n

The certifications needed to sell in Saudi Arabia<\/h3>\n

To export to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to obtain certifications that meet specific requirements.<\/p>\n

As of 2019, the country replaced the Certificate of Conformity with the SABER Certificate of Conformity Assessment. Under the SALEEM program for product safety, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO<\/a>) introduced the electronic platform SABER<\/a>. This initiative aims to simplify import procedures, reduce the entry of counterfeit products and ensure compliance with technical regulations and to Saudi standards.<\/p>\n

As a result, importers are required to use SABER's electronic platform to register products and obtain respective certificates of conformity.<\/p>\n

The process involves the issuance of two main certificates:<\/p>\n