How to Export Products from India to Saudi Arabia in 2025: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Export Products from India to Saudi Arabia Easily in 2025: Legal, Logistic & Marketing Guide for Beginners and SMEs

Expanding your business by exporting goods from India to Saudi Arabia can be a game-changer. With Saudi Arabia being one of India’s largest trading partners in the Gulf region, the opportunity is vast—but so are the requirements. Whether you’re an aspiring exporter or an experienced trader, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to succeed in 2025.

Step 1: Register Your Business and Get Legal Approvals

Before exporting any product, your business must be legally registered in India. Choose from:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership Firm
• Private Limited Company

Next, ensure the following registrations:

• GST Registration: Required for all businesses exporting goods.
• Import Export Code (IEC): Apply via the DGFT portal. This is mandatory for any international shipment.
• RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate): Obtain this from an Export Promotion Council like FIEO, APEDA, etc., depending on your product.

Pro Tip: Keep all business documents scanned and securely stored for faster approvals.

Step 2: Understand Product Regulations and Certifications

Saudi Arabia has strict quality control norms. Product-specific certifications might include:

For Food Products:

• FSSAI License
• APEDA Registration
• Halal Certification

For Pharmaceuticals:

• CDSCO Approval
• WHO-GMP Compliance

For Cosmetics and Electronics:

• BIS Certification
• WPC Clearance

Saudi-Specific Requirements:

• SASO Certificate: Issued under the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
• SABER Platform Registration: For product safety and conformity.
• Arabic Labelling: Mandatory for most products.

Step 3: Conduct Market Research and Find Buyers

Understanding your target market is crucial:

• Use tools like Statista, Trademap, and Export Genius.
• Research Saudi buying behavior, especially through platforms like Amazon.sa, Noon, and local B2B websites.
• Join trade exhibitions like Saudi Food Expo and Arab Health.

Where to Find Buyers:

• B2B platforms: Alibaba, IndiaMART, TradeIndia
• LinkedIn outreach
• Indian embassies and trade missions in Saudi Arabia

Step 4: Pricing, Packaging, and Labelling

Product Pricing:

• Factor in cost, freight, duties, VAT, and profit margin.
• Be competitive yet sustainable.

Packaging:

• Use sturdy, eco-friendly packaging materials.
• Conform to international shipping standards.

Labelling:

• Must be in both English and Arabic.
• Include product name, expiry date, country of origin, and batch number.

Step 5: Logistics & Shipping Process

Choose a Shipping Mode:

• Sea Freight: Best for large or bulk shipments. Ports: Jeddah, Dammam
• Air Freight: Ideal for perishable or high-value goods. Airports: Riyadh, Dammam

Prepare Documents:

1. Commercial Invoice
2. Packing List
3. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
4. Certificate of Origin
5. SASO or Halal Certificate (if needed)
6. Product Testing Report (if applicable)

INCOTERMS:

• Define terms like FOB, CIF, or DAP clearly to avoid disputes.

Tip: Use a reliable freight forwarder to simplify the logistics.

Step 6: Clear Saudi Customs

Saudi Arabia has a streamlined yet strict customs process:

• Products must be pre-registered in the SABER system.
• Import duties: Typically range between 5% to 15%.
• VAT: 15% applicable on most goods.
• Mandatory Arabic labelling and conformity documents.

Work with a Saudi-based customs broker to ensure hassle-free clearance.

Step 7: Payment & Currency Exchange

Secure Payment Methods:

• Letter of Credit (LC)
• Advance Payment
• Documents Against Payment (D/P)
• Online Transfer (PayPal, SWIFT)

Currency Handling:

• Use banks authorized for foreign exchange.
• Open an EEFC Account (Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency Account) to hold earnings in foreign currency.

Step 8: Promote Your Product in Saudi Arabia

Online Marketing:

• List products on Amazon.sa and Noon.
• Use social media like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok (very popular in KSA).
• Collaborate with Saudi influencers.

Offline Marketing:

• Hire local distributors.
• Advertise through local Arabic magazines, radio, or in-store promotions.

Step 9: Claim Export Incentives from India

Indian government offers various export benefits:

• RoDTEP Scheme: Reimburses embedded taxes not covered under GST.
• Interest Equalization Scheme: Lowers interest rates on export credit.
• TMA (Transport and Marketing Assistance): For certain agricultural exports.

Popular Indian Products Exported to Saudi Arabia

Final Thoughts

Exporting to Saudi Arabia is not just about shipping products; it’s about understanding their culture, regulations, and business practices. With proper research, legal documentation, and a strong marketing strategy, you can build a profitable and sustainable export business in the Middle East.

Are you ready to tap into one of the fastest-growing import markets in the world?

Start your export journey today.

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