PART 3 – SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS BY TYPES OF PRODUCTS
The Saudi hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented growth offering unique opportunities to European products. In the precedent article, we explained the general processes and certifications that they had to go through before entering the Saudi market. In this article, we will list the specific considerations related to each type of product related to the Saudi hospitality sector.
The impact of these regulations extends beyond just European manufacturers. Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, which is projected to reach $43 billion by 2025, is feeling the effects.
To address these challenges, SASO has launched a series of workshops and training programs aimed at educating international exporters about Saudi standards. In 2023, over 500 European companies participated in these programs, resulting in a 30% decrease in rejection rates for their shipments.
Furthermore, the Saudi government has recognized the potential impact of these regulations on its ambitious tourism goals. In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism announced a $50 million fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the hospitality supply chain, to help them meet Saudi standards.
Product-Specific Considerations
A. Linen and Textiles
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has been at the forefront of implementing rigorous standards for textile products. The Technical Regulation for Textile Products No. MA-164-18-05-02, which became mandatory in 2019, has set a new benchmark for quality and compliance in the Saudi market. This regulation covers a wide range of products, from bedsheets and towels used in luxury hotels to uniforms worn by hospitality staff.
According to recent data from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, the hospitality sector saw a 15% increase in textile imports in 2023, reaching a value of SAR 3.2 billion ($853 million). European exporters accounted for 40% of this market, with countries like Italy, France, and Germany leading the charge.
However, navigating the regulatory landscape has proven challenging for many European companies. The labelling requirements are indeed stringent. All textile products must be labelled in Arabic, providing detailed information about the fibers used and their percentages, the supplier’s name and commercial registration number, the country of origin, and care instructions. These labels must be securely attached and clearly legible.
Moreover, the recent update to the Technical Regulations for Textile Products, adopted in 2024, has introduced new challenges. The updated regulation includes a newly defined category for underwear and has removed specific pH limits for textile products, requiring exporters to adapt their testing procedures.
Cultural considerations add another layer of complexity for European exporters. Designs that may be popular in Europe often need to be modified for the Saudi market to align with local sensibilities. Modest patterns and colours are generally preferred, especially for products used in public spaces like hotel lobbies and restaurants.
B. Cutlery and Tableware
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has been at the forefront of implementing rigorous safety regulations for materials that come into contact with food. In a recent announcement in 2024, the SFDA introduced new guidelines for cutlery and tableware, emphasizing the importance of material safety and halal compliance.
According to recent data from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, the hospitality sector saw a 20% increase in cutlery and tableware imports in 2023, reaching a value of SAR 1.2 billion ($320 million). European exporters accounted for 45% of this market, with countries like Germany, Italy, and France leading the charge.
One of the key challenges for European exporters is navigating the material restrictions imposed by Saudi regulations. The use of certain animal-derived products, common in some European manufacturing processes, is strictly prohibited. For instance, bone china, a popular material for high-end tableware in Europe, faces significant scrutiny due to its animal-derived components.
The SFDA has also mandated rigorous safety testing for all cutlery and tableware entering the Saudi market. As of January 2024, all items that come into contact with food must be halal-certified by a SFDA-approved certification body.
C. Glassware
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has implemented rigorous packaging requirements for glassware.
Indeed, the climate factor plays a crucial role in packaging design for glassware. Saudi Arabia’s temperatures can soar to 50°C in summer and plummet to near freezing in some regions during winter nights. This extreme temperature range poses significant challenges for glassware integrity.
The new regulations also place a strong emphasis on sustainability. As of 2024, all packaging materials for glassware entering Saudi Arabia must be either recyclable or biodegradable.
Beyond packaging and shipping concerns, European glassware exporters must also ensure their products meet SASO’s stringent quality standards. These standards cover a wide range of factors, including durability, heat resistance, and chemical composition.
SASO’s glassware standards are particularly stringent when it comes to heat resistance. All glassware used in food service must withstand temperature shocks of up to 120°C without cracking or shattering. This requirement has led to significant innovations in glass manufacturing techniques among European exporters.
The chemical composition of glassware is another critical factor under SASO scrutiny. All glassware must be free from harmful substances such as lead and cadmium.
D. Ceramics and Chinaware
Lead content regulations have become a focal point for SASO, reflecting growing global concerns about the health impacts of lead exposure. In a landmark decision announced in 2024, SASO introduced new guidelines for ceramics and chinaware, setting the maximum allowable lead content at 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for flatware and 3.0 ppm for hollowware. This represents a significant tightening of standards compared to the previous limits of 3.0 ppm and 5.0 ppm respectively, which had been in place since 2015.
Packaging and shipping considerations have also come under increased scrutiny. The Saudi Customs Authority reported that in 2023, 15% of all ceramics and chinaware shipments suffered damage during transit, resulting in losses estimated at SAR 75 million ($20 million). In response, SASO has introduced new packaging standards, effective from July 2024, mandating the use of double-walled corrugated boxes, foam inserts, and climate-controlled shipping containers for all ceramics and chinaware imports.
Labelling requirements have also become more stringent. As of January 2024, all ceramics and chinaware products must include detailed care instructions and safety warnings in both Arabic and English. This includes information on microwave and dishwasher safety, as well as any potential risks associated with the use of metallic decorations or glazes.
E. Perfumes and Toiletries
The SFDA registration process, mandatory for all cosmetic and personal care products including perfumes and toiletries, has become a critical hurdle for European exporters. In 2023, the SFDA processed over 150,000 product registrations, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.
The registration process requires exporters to submit detailed product information and safety data. This includes a comprehensive ingredient list, toxicological profile, and proof of good manufacturing practices. To be exported to Saudi Arabia, all these products must also get a Halal certification from an auditing company accredited by the SFDA (see our previous article on Halal certification for more information).
Ingredient restrictions pose another significant challenge for European exporters. In 2024, the SFDA released an updated list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients, affecting some substances commonly used in European formulations. The list now includes 1,728 chemicals, some of which are still permitted in EU cosmetics.
Labelling and packaging requirements have also become more stringent. As of January 2024, all cosmetic products must include Arabic labels with detailed product information, including the product name and description, a full list of ingredients, the manufacturer’s name and address, country of origin, and either an expiration date or a period after opening (PAO) symbol.
F. Furniture
According to recent data from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, the hospitality sector saw a staggering 107% increase in hotel rooms year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024. This surge in accommodation has led to a corresponding boom in the furniture market, with the Saudi Arabia Home Furniture Market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% to reach USD 5.98 billion by 2029.
One of the key challenges for European exporters is complying with Saudi regulations on wood treatment. The Kingdom has implemented stringent measures to prevent the introduction of pests through imported wooden furniture. As of January 2024, all wooden components must be treated according to ISPM 15 standards and certified by an accredited body.
Fire retardancy standards pose another significant hurdle for European furniture exporters. All upholstered furniture must now meet stringent fire safety standards enforced by the Saudi Civil Defense, typically involving the use of fire-retardant materials and passing specific flammability tests.
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