Supporting national exports and enhancing global competitiveness
The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced the issuance of 45,942 certificates of origin during December 2023, a strategic step aimed at boosting and supporting national exports and facilitating access for Saudi products to global markets. These efforts are part of the Ministry's ongoing commitment to empowering exporters across various vital sectors, including industry, commerce, and the individual sector, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economic base and increase the share of non-oil exports.
What is a certificate of origin and what is its strategic importance?
The Ministry's official spokesperson, Professor Jarrah Al-Jarrah, explained that a certificate of origin is a crucial official document in international trade, proving that exported goods and products were produced or manufactured entirely within the Kingdom, or that they have acquired national origin status after undergoing substantial processing. This certificate is a fundamental requirement for completing customs clearance in the importing country and determines the preferential treatment the goods will receive, such as customs exemptions or tax reductions under trade agreements between the Kingdom and other countries.
The impact of the move on the local economy and the international landscape
Streamlining the issuance of certificates of origin represents a significant boost to the local economy. Domestically, this service empowers large industrial establishments, companies, and commercial institutions, as well as supporting the individual sector, including farmers, fishermen, artisans, and sole proprietors, thereby enhancing their access to international markets. Regionally and internationally, these certificates bolster the credibility and competitiveness of Saudi products, ensuring that exporters benefit from the advantages offered by economic agreements such as the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), and other bilateral and international agreements.
Types of certificates of origin available to exporters
To meet the requirements of different markets, the ministry provides four main models of certificates of origin, which are:
- Certificate of origin for national products of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: to facilitate intra-GCC trade.
- Certificate of origin for national products of Arab countries: to benefit from the advantages within the League of Arab States.
- Certificate of Origin (Preferential): This is a standardized form used when exporting to countries that have free trade agreements with the Gulf States.
- Certificate of Origin (General Form): Issued in Arabic and English for countries that do not grant preferential treatment, and is considered a standard proof of origin document.
How to obtain a certificate of origin electronically
As part of the digital transformation of government services, Al-Jarrah confirmed that exporters can easily apply for a certificate of origin through the ministry's online platform. To begin the certificate issuance process, visit the following link directly : https://mim.gov.sa/services/31387/
