How to Import Garlic from China to Saudi Arabia: Complete 2026 Guide

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Gulf region and a significant garlic importer. With limited domestic agricultural production due to the arid climate, Saudi Arabia relies heavily on imports to meet its garlic demand. Chinese garlic, particularly Pure White varieties in larger sizes, is highly valued in the Saudi market for its premium appearance and quality. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) maintains strict food safety standards, making compliance a top priority for importers.

This guide is written for Saudi trading companies, food distributors, and supermarket procurement teams who want to source garlic directly from China. It covers market data, the full import process, SASO and SFDA requirements, tariffs, shipping routes, documentation, and a cost breakdown comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Jeddah terms.

Saudi Arabia Garlic Market Overview

Saudi Arabia consumes approximately 80,000-100,000 metric tons of garlic per year. Domestic garlic production is negligible due to the desert climate and water scarcity, meaning virtually all garlic consumed in Saudi Arabia is imported. China is the primary supplier, with other sources including Egypt, India, and Spain.

Chinese garlic dominates the Saudi import market due to its combination of quality and price. Saudi buyers specifically favor Pure White garlic in larger sizes (5.5cm-6.5cm+) — a preference driven by the premium-oriented retail and supermarket sector, as well as the hospitality and food service industry that serves millions of pilgrims and tourists annually.

The main garlic wholesale hubs include the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market in Riyadh, the Jeddah Wholesale Market, and the Dammam Wholesale Market. Garlic arriving at Jeddah Islamic Port is distributed to the western region (Makkah, Madinah), while Dammam serves the eastern province. Riyadh, located centrally, receives garlic from both ports. Demand peaks during Ramadan and Hajj seasons, when food consumption surges significantly.

Why Import Garlic from China?

China produces over 60% of the world's garlic, and Shandong Province is the heart of China's garlic export industry. The region's loamy soil, distinct four-season climate, and decades of farming expertise produce garlic with uniform bulbs, tight skin, and excellent storage characteristics — qualities that are especially valued in the quality-conscious Saudi market.

For Saudi importers, the advantages of sourcing from China include:

• Pure White availability: Shandong produces high-quality Pure White garlic that meets the Saudi market's premium appearance requirements. Larger sizes (6.0cm, 6.5cm+) are available in commercial quantities.
• Year-round supply: Shandong's cold storage infrastructure allows garlic to be shipped any month of the year, ensuring supply continuity during peak demand periods like Ramadan and Hajj.
• Price competitiveness: Chinese garlic offers excellent quality-to-price ratio, even after adding ocean freight and GCC import duty. The competitive pricing allows importers to maintain healthy margins.
• SASO compliance experience: Experienced Chinese exporters understand the SASO CoC process and can work with authorized certification bodies to obtain the required conformity documents.
• Cold-chain expertise: Experienced exporters understand how to set and monitor reefer container temperatures for the 20-25 day voyage through the Red Sea or Arabian Sea to Saudi Arabia.

If you want to compare the two main garlic varieties available from China, see our detailed comparison at Pure White Garlic and Normal White Garlic product pages.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Importing garlic from China to Saudi Arabia involves seven key steps. Each step has specific requirements under Saudi regulations, and skipping any can result in customs delays, fines, or cargo rejection. Below is the complete process.

Step 1: Obtain SFDA Registration and Importer License

Before you can import food products into Saudi Arabia, your company must be registered with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). The registration process requires your commercial registration (CR), Saudi Chamber of Commerce membership, and food safety compliance documentation. SFDA registration establishes your company as an authorized food importer and is mandatory for clearing any food shipment through Saudi customs.

You also need a valid import license through the Saudi Business Center (SBC) or the Ministry of Commerce. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks for first-time applicants. Work with a Saudi customs broker to ensure all registrations are complete before placing any order.

Step 2: Find a Reliable Chinese Garlic Supplier

Start by identifying Chinese garlic exporters with proven experience shipping to Saudi Arabia or other Gulf countries. A supplier familiar with the Saudi market will know the preferred garlic specifications (Pure White, larger sizes), packaging formats (10kg cartons), and the SASO CoC process — which is unique to Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.

Request the supplier's business license, export qualifications, and references from existing clients. You can also request a third-party inspection (SGS, BV, or Intertek) before shipment. For a comprehensive supplier verification checklist, see our guide on how to choose a garlic supplier in China.

Step 3: Confirm Product Specifications

Saudi buyers predominantly prefer Pure White garlic in larger sizes. The Saudi market is quality-driven, with retail and supermarket chains demanding clean, bright, uniform bulbs. Given the 20-25 day voyage from Qingdao to Jeddah, Pure White garlic's superior shelf life is a significant advantage.

The most popular specifications for the Saudi market are:

Step 4: Obtain SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

The SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a mandatory document for importing regulated products into Saudi Arabia. The CoC verifies that the garlic shipment meets Saudi technical regulations and food safety standards. The CoC must be obtained before the shipment departs from China.

The CoC is issued by SASO-authorized certification bodies (such as SGS, Intertek, TUV, or BV) after they verify product compliance through document review and, in some cases, physical inspection. The process requires the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Phytosanitary Certificate, and test reports if applicable. CoC processing typically takes 3-5 business days. The cost is approximately $300-600 per shipment, depending on the certification body.

Step 5: Arrange Documentation, FASAH Registration, and Shipping

Garlic is shipped in 40HQ reefer containers set at -2°C to -3°C with ventilation. This temperature range keeps garlic dormant without freezing it, preserving quality during the 20-25 day voyage through the Red Sea or Arabian Sea. The container's ventilation setting should be set to 25-30 CBM/hour.

Major shipping lines serving the Qingdao-to-Saudi Arabia route include Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd. These carriers offer regular weekly sailings to both Jeddah Islamic Port (west coast) and King Abdul Aziz Port Dammam (east coast). Book the container 2-3 weeks before the planned loading date.

All shipments must be pre-registered through the FASAH (Saudi Exports) electronic platform before arrival. FASAH integrates customs, ports, and regulatory authorities into a single window. Your customs broker or freight forwarder handles FASAH registration, which requires the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, SASO CoC, and other documents. FASAH registration must be completed at least 48 hours before vessel arrival.

Step 6: Customs Clearance at Jeddah or Dammam

Upon arrival at the Saudi port, ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) processes the import declaration through the FASAH system. The following documents are verified: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, SASO CoC, and fumigation certificate.

SFDA may conduct a food safety inspection on the shipment, checking for compliance with Saudi food standards. The inspection may include document review, visual examination, and in some cases, laboratory testing for pesticide residues or microbial contamination. If the shipment passes inspection, ZATCA assesses duties (GCC tariff plus 15% VAT) and releases the cargo.

Customs clearance at Jeddah or Dammam typically takes 3-5 business days from vessel arrival, provided all documents are in order. Delays usually stem from missing SASO CoC, incomplete FASAH registration, or SFDA inspection backlogs.

Step 7: Inland Transport and Distribution

After customs clearance, the reefer container is trucked from the port to your warehouse or directly to the wholesale market. Jeddah Islamic Port serves the western region, including Makkah, Madinah, and the entire Hijaz region. The Jeddah Wholesale Market is the primary distribution hub for western Saudi Arabia. King Abdul Aziz Port Dammam serves the eastern province, including Dammam, Khobar, and Dhahran.

Riyadh, the capital and largest market, can be served from either port. From Jeddah, the trucking distance to Riyadh is approximately 950 km (10-12 hours). From Dammam, it is approximately 400 km (4-5 hours). Many importers choose Dammam for Riyadh-bound cargo to save on inland transport costs. Once at your warehouse, garlic should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area at 0°C to -1°C with 65-70% humidity.

Saudi Arabia Import Requirements and Regulations

Saudi Arabia has comprehensive import regulations designed to protect public health and ensure food safety. Understanding these requirements is critical to avoiding customs delays, cargo rejection, and penalties.

• SFDA Registration: Mandatory for all food importers. Must be valid and cover the food product category. SFDA conducts risk-based inspections on imported food shipments.
• SASO CoC: Certificate of Conformity issued by an authorized certification body before shipment. Verifies that products meet Saudi technical regulations. Mandatory for regulated products including food.
• FASAH Platform: All shipments must be pre-registered through the FASAH electronic single window before arrival. FASAH integrates ZATCA customs, SFDA, ports, and other authorities.
• Halal Compliance: While garlic is naturally Halal, food products entering Saudi Arabia should not contain any non-Halal ingredients or contaminants. Ensure packaging and handling meet Halal standards.
• Arabic Labeling: Product labels should include Arabic text with product name, country of origin, net weight, and production/expiry dates where applicable.
• GCC Tariff: Saudi Arabia is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) customs union. Fresh garlic (HS 0703.20) is subject to approximately 10-15% import duty. A 15% VAT applies to all imported goods.

Recommended Garlic Specifications for Saudi Arabia

Based on market preferences and the 20-25 day transit time, the following specifications are recommended for Saudi importers:

For detailed information on container loading and capacity, see our garlic container loading guide. For packaging options comparison, visit our packaging options guide.

Shipping Routes: Qingdao to Jeddah and Dammam

Garlic from Shandong is shipped from Qingdao Port. The voyage to Saudi Arabia passes through the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, and either the Red Sea (to Jeddah) or the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf (to Dammam). Two ports serve the Saudi garlic import market:

• Jeddah Islamic Port: Saudi Arabia's largest port and the primary entry point for garlic imports on the western coast. Jeddah serves the Hijaz region, including Makkah and Madinah — critical markets during Hajj and Umrah seasons. It has excellent highway connectivity to Riyadh (950 km). Transit time from Qingdao: 20-25 days. Major carriers: Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd.
• King Abdul Aziz Port Dammam: Located on the eastern coast, Dammam serves the Eastern Province and is closer to Riyadh (400 km). For importers distributing primarily to Riyadh and the eastern region, Dammam can save significant inland transport time and cost compared to Jeddah. Transit time is similar to Jeddah (20-25 days).

The choice between Jeddah and Dammam depends on your end-market location. If you serve the western region (Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah), Jeddah Islamic Port is the natural choice. If you distribute primarily through Riyadh or the Eastern Province, Dammam is more cost-effective due to shorter inland transport. Both ports have cold chain facilities, though most importers arrange direct truck pickup of their reefer containers.

Cost Breakdown: FOB Qingdao vs CIF Jeddah

Understanding the total landed cost of garlic is essential for pricing your product competitively in the Saudi market. Below is a typical cost breakdown for a 40HQ reefer container of Pure White garlic (28MT), comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Jeddah terms.

Note: Figures are indicative and for reference only. Garlic prices fluctuate seasonally. Ocean freight rates change monthly. SASO CoC costs vary by certification body. VAT-registered businesses can reclaim the 15% VAT. Always request a current quote for accurate pricing. *Excludes inland transport to Riyadh.

The choice between FOB and CIF depends on your logistics expertise. First-time importers benefit from CIF because the supplier handles the 20-25 day reefer shipment and the SASO CoC process. Experienced importers with established freight forwarder relationships can save $300-600 per container on FOB terms. For a detailed explanation of Incoterms and price calculations, see our FOB vs CIF price calculation guide.

FAQ: Importing Garlic from China to Saudi Arabia

What documents are required to import garlic into Saudi Arabia?

You need a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate from China Customs, Certificate of Origin, fumigation certificate, and a SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC). You also need SFDA registration as a food importer, and the shipment must be pre-registered through the FASAH electronic platform before arrival. All documents must be consistent and accurate.

What is the import tariff for garlic from China to Saudi Arabia?

Fresh garlic (HS code 0703.20) falls under the GCC common external tariff, typically 10-15%. There is no free trade agreement between China and Saudi Arabia that provides tariff preferences for garlic, so the full GCC MFN rate applies. A 15% VAT is also charged on the imported value (CIF + duty). VAT-registered businesses can reclaim the VAT. Verify the current rate with ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) before confirming any order.

How long does it take to ship garlic from China to Saudi Arabia?

Ocean freight from Qingdao Port to Jeddah Islamic Port takes 20-25 days. King Abdul Aziz Port Dammam has a similar transit time. Including 5-7 days for production, quality inspection, SASO CoC processing, and container loading in China, plus 3-5 days for customs clearance, the total lead time from order confirmation to warehouse delivery is typically 4-6 weeks. FASAH registration must be completed at least 48 hours before vessel arrival.

Which garlic specifications are most popular in the Saudi Arabian market?

Saudi Arabian buyers prefer Pure White garlic in 5.5cm, 6.0cm, and 6.5cm+ sizes. The Saudi market is quality-driven, with retail and supermarket chains demanding clean, bright, uniform bulbs. Larger sizes (6.0cm and above) command premium prices. Pure White garlic is favored for its premium appearance and longer shelf life, which is critical for the 20-25 day voyage. Packaging is typically 10kg cartons for retail and supermarket channels.

What is SASO CoC and SFDA registration, and are they required for garlic?

SASO CoC (Certificate of Conformity) is issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (or an authorized certification body such as SGS, Intertek, TUV, or BV) to verify that imported products meet Saudi technical regulations. The CoC must be obtained before shipment from China and costs approximately $300-600. SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) registration is required for all food importers and establishes your company as an authorized food importer. Both are mandatory for garlic imports. Additionally, all shipments must be pre-registered through the FASAH electronic platform before arrival at the Saudi port.