Riyadh, December 24, 2024 — The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced a significant upgrade to the customs registration system for industrial licenses, transitioning from the 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) code to a more detailed 12-digit format. This initiative, unveiled on Sunday, represents a key step in streamlining the customs and regulatory frameworks for industrial and manufacturing sectors in Saudi Arabia.
The primary objective of this upgrade is to standardize the customs coding system, improving data connectivity and ensuring greater consistency across relevant governmental and regulatory entities. By moving to a 12-digit system, the Ministry aims to enhance the precision of data regarding both locally manufactured products and imports. This transition will not only improve accuracy but also strengthen the coherence of data across various supply chains, benefiting manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies alike.
In a statement, the Ministry revealed that over 13,000 items have been reviewed and successfully transitioned from the previous 10-digit HS codes to the new 12-digit format. The move is seen as a significant advancement in harmonizing technical systems at a national level, aligning with global standards and facilitating smoother trade processes. The updated codes will provide a more granular level of classification, allowing for more precise tracking, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Industrial establishments across the Kingdom are urged to review the proposed updates to their customs items, which are registered under their industrial licenses, before the deadline of January 31, 2025. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of reviewing these updates to ensure that all products are accurately classified according to the new 12-digit format. Businesses can access the updates through the Senaee platform, where they can select the HS code upgrade option from their factory homepage for an efficient and straightforward process.
Following the January 31 deadline, the Ministry will begin implementing the updated codes, ensuring that all industrial licenses reflect the new 12-digit system. The Ministry’s proactive approach aims to smoothen the transition for industrial establishments and further enhance the Kingdom’s regulatory framework to align with international standards, ultimately boosting the efficiency and transparency of Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.
The introduction of this upgraded system is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize its industrial and economic landscape, positioning the Kingdom for greater integration into global supply chains while fostering a more competitive and transparent business environment. By adopting a more refined system for categorizing customs items, Saudi Arabia is enhancing its ability to track and manage goods, strengthening the integrity of its supply chain data, and providing a solid foundation for future industrial growth.