Saudi Certificate of Origin Issuance Rises Nearly 10% in September, Signaling Industrial Export Growth

• The certificates verify the national origin of exported goods, enabling exporters to satisfy destination-market requirements.
• The increase aligns with the Kingdom’s industrial strategy to boost manufacturing exports to over SR557 billion annually by 2030.

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia issued 58,000 certificates of origin in September, a 9.7 percent increase from August, underscoring expanding activity across industrial, commercial, and individual export sectors. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources recorded 52,895 certificates in August, 50,030 in July, and 47,368 in June.

These documents certify the national origin of goods shipped abroad, helping exporters comply with international market regulations. The service is accessible to industrial firms, companies, institutions, and individuals — including farmers, fishermen, sole proprietors, and local artisans.

The upward trend coincides with the Kingdom’s drive to diversify its economy away from oil dependence. Under the National Industrial Strategy, Saudi Arabia targets annual manufacturing exports exceeding SR557 billion ($148 billion) by 2030 and SR892 billion by 2035 — roughly three times and 5.3 times the 2020 baseline, respectively.

Efforts to grow non-oil exports continue amid regional uncertainty affecting transport corridors and market access. Disruptions to trade routes have elevated shipping costs and delivery timelines across the Middle East. Official data shows national non-oil exports excluding re-exports rose 8.5 percent year-on-year to SR18.32 billion in August, while inclusive non-oil exports declined 9.1 percent over the same period.

Certificates Facilitate Market Access

The ministry issues four categories of certificates: for Gulf Cooperation Council states, other Arab nations, partners under preferential trade agreements, and markets without preferential arrangements. Preferential certificates cover eligible exports under GCC free-trade accords, while general certificates are issued in Arabic and English.

Exporters can submit applications and monitor status via the ministry’s digital platform, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The certification service forms part of broader initiatives to streamline export procedures and enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi products.

Chemical Clearance Activity

Separately, the ministry processed 835 chemical clearance applications in September, comprising 787 requests to import unrestricted substances and 48 licence applications for restricted chemicals covering 2,558 consignments. The digital service permits industrial investors to secure permits for chemical imports, exports, and facility-use clearances through approved channels, simplifying compliance for industrial establishments.

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