RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has issued 50,030 certificates of origin in July, as part of its efforts to support and facilitate services for exporters across various sectors, including industry, commerce, and individuals.
In a statement, the ministry explained that a certificate of origin is a document confirming that products exported abroad are of national origin or have acquired national origin status. The service targets industrial establishments, the commercial sector, and the individual sector, including farmers, fishermen, and sole proprietors, as well as local artisans and others.
The ministry also stated that the certificate includes four types: a certificate of origin for national products of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries; a Certificate of Origin for national products of other Arab countries; a Preferential Certificate of Origin, which is the unified certificate used by GCC countries when exporting to nations and economic blocs with which free trade agreements have been concluded; and a Certificate of Origin in both Arabic and English for countries that do not grant preferential treatment.
Export documentation demand rises
The latest figures come as Saudi Arabia continues to expand and facilitate its non-oil export activity. The ministry issued 47,368 certificates of origin in June, following 43,077 in May, according to SPA, highlighting continued demand for the service among exporters. The certificates cover exporters across the industrial, commercial and individual sectors and include preferential and non-preferential forms for shipments to GCC, Arab and other international markets.
Digital services support non-oil trade
The certificate-of-origin service is part of the ministry’s efforts to facilitate exports, with its electronic platform allowing exporters and local manufacturers to issue and track certificates without visiting the ministry. The service is intended to help accelerate export procedures, support domestic industry and contribute to the growth of Saudi exports, according to the ministry.
The continued demand for certificates of origin comes amid mixed performance in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports. Non-oil exports, including re-exports, declined 26.1 percent year on year in May, while national non-oil exports excluding re-exports also fell, according to the General Authority for Statistics. Machinery, electrical equipment and parts remained the largest category, accounting for 22 percent of total non-oil exports.
