The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has issued a new circular mandating that, effective June 2025, all import cargo arriving in Saudi Arabia must be loaded and stowed on wooden pallets inside containers.
This measure is intended to:
This measure is intended to:
- Enhance handling and unloading efficiency at ports
- Minimize risks to port workers during discharge operations
- Facilitate inspections conducted by regulatory authorities
Exemptions:
The palletization requirement does not apply to the following types of cargo:
- Dry or liquid bulk commodities (e.g., wheat, grains, cement, gypsum, petroleum products) that are loaded directly onto transport equipment
- Raw materials in heavy jumbo bags that cannot be palletized
- Heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and generators
- Steel products such as coils, sheets, large formats, iron bars, large pipes, scaffolding, and similar items
- Items unsuitable for palletization, including insulation materials, cardboard, carpets, general furnishings, vented outer tires, and natural stone products such as marble, granite, and rock
Important Notice:
Containers that do not comply with the new palletization rule (unless exempted) will not be accepted at Saudi ports. Non-compliance may result in fines and penalties as per applicable Saudi regulations.
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