Importing Brazilian frozen meat to Saudi Arabia

Brazilian chicken and beef shipments require the relevant Saudi food-import approvals, eligible establishments and recognised Halal certification. Check current SFDA conditions before contracting. Pork and pork products are prohibited; this guide does not offer a pork import route.

Content reviewed 2026-09-18 · Brazil Prime Foods Export. Confirm current product and plant eligibility with the linked authorities before contracting.

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Competent authorities

SFDA
Approves foreign meat/poultry plants; food safety oversight at ports
Saudi Customs (ZATCA)
Tariffs, VAT and customs release

Ports of entry

Jeddah Islamic Port (SAJED)
Confirm reefer service, inspection facilities and entry eligibility with your freight forwarder.
King Abdullah Port (SAKAC)
Confirm reefer service, inspection facilities and entry eligibility with your freight forwarder.
Dammam (King Abdulaziz Port) (SADMN)
Confirm reefer service, inspection facilities and entry eligibility with your freight forwarder.

Documentation to confirm

•Commercial invoice and packing list
•Bill of Lading
•Official health / veterinary certificate in the destination-approved format
•Origin documentation when required by the destination
•Importer registration, pre-notification and additional certificates applicable to the product
•Halal certificates from a body recognised for the destination and product
•SFDA food-import registration and consignment clearance requirements

Shipment timing

Production and documentationConfirmed in quote
Vessel departure and ocean transitCarrier schedule
Import inspection and clearanceDestination-dependent

Tariffs & taxes

Ask your customs broker to confirm the current tariff, taxes, quotas and any additional trade measures using the exact HS code, origin and entry date. A general meat category is not enough to calculate landed cost.

Product-specific notes

Chicken and beef
Confirm the species, product and supplying establishment against current SFDA approvals, including any temporary restrictions. Agree Arabic labelling and certificate requirements with the importer.
Pork
Pork and pork products are prohibited from import into Saudi Arabia.

References

Sourcing Brazilian frozen meat for Saudi Arabia

Buyers importing into Saudi Arabia source Brazilian frozen chicken and beef across retail, foodservice and institutional demand, with pronounced seasonal peaks around the religious calendar. Pork is prohibited. Establishment approval and Halal certification are both destination-specific and are confirmed per order.

What to specify in your enquiry

Product and exact cut, with grade or calibration where it applies
Quantity in metric tonnes or number of containers
Packing format and carton net weight
Destination port and required Incoterm
Certifications your destination requires
Target shipment window

What to verify for this destination

That the supplying establishment holds current Saudi Food and Drug Authority approval
That the Halal certifier is recognised by the Saudi authority, since recognition differs between Gulf states
That the specific product category is covered by that approval
Labelling and shelf-life requirements for the destination

Request a CIF or FOB quotation, How to verify a Brazilian meat exporter and supplying plant, How frozen meat export pricing and container economics work

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Destination questions

Frequently asked questions about importing to Saudi Arabia

Which authority approves foreign meat plants for Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, SFDA, approves foreign meat and poultry establishments and oversees food safety at ports. Saudi Customs, ZATCA, handles tariffs, VAT and customs release.

Which Saudi ports receive Brazilian frozen meat?

Jeddah Islamic Port (SAJED), King Abdullah Port (SAKAC) and Dammam, King Abdulaziz Port (SADMN). Confirm reefer service, inspection facilities and entry eligibility with your freight forwarder.

Can pork be imported into Saudi Arabia?

No. Pork and pork products are prohibited from import into Saudi Arabia. There is no pork import route for this destination.

Is a Halal certificate accepted in Saudi Arabia if it is accepted elsewhere in the Gulf?

Not necessarily. Recognition of certifying bodies is decided by the Saudi authority and differs between Gulf states. Confirm that the specific certifying body named for your order is currently recognised for Saudi Arabia and for your product category.

What labelling applies to Saudi shipments?

Agree Arabic labelling and certificate requirements with the importer before production, alongside shelf life requirements for the destination. Confirm the species, product and supplying establishment against current SFDA approvals, including any temporary restrictions.

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