In March 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources addressed a total of 556 applications for industrial customs exemptions as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster local manufacturing and enhance its global competitiveness. This initiative allows national industrial facilities to benefit from exemptions on customs duties for their imports of industrial inputs.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Jarrah Al-Jarrah, the processed exemption requests included 1,908 items categorized as raw materials and an additional 5,332 items related to machinery, equipment, and spare parts. The customs exemption service falls within a broader framework of incentives, resources, and services provided by the ministry’s industrial and mining system. These initiatives are designed to streamline the investment journey for industrial stakeholders, guiding them from the conception phase to empowerment, production, and ultimately, export.
Al-Jarrah emphasized that the industrial customs exemption service aligns with the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy, which aims to empower and develop the Saudi industrial sector. He highlighted the ministry’s significant role in fostering and accelerating the growth of the national industrial base. Notably, industrial facilities can obtain this customs exemption efficiently through simplified procedures available on the ministry’s digital platform, “Sanai.”
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is committed to supporting and promoting domestic manufacturing through the customs exemption service. This effort is targeted at enhancing the various production sectors, reducing production costs, and creating new industrial opportunities. The service allows eligible licensed industrial facilities to qualify for customs duty exemptions on imports of essential items, including machinery, equipment, spare parts, raw materials, semi-finished goods, and necessary packaging materials directly related to production.
This strategic move by the ministry seeks to create a conducive environment for industrial growth, enabling local manufacturers to remain competitive in both domestic and international markets. By reducing the financial burden associated with import duties, these exemptions can significantly lower production costs for manufacturers, allowing them to reinvest savings into their operations and expand their capabilities.
Furthermore, the emphasis on a digital platform for managing these exemptions reflects the ministry’s commitment to modernization and efficiency in service delivery. Streamlined processes not only enhance the user experience for businesses but also foster an ecosystem where industrial enterprises can thrive without the hindrance of bureaucratic red tape.
Overall, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources’ active engagement in processing customs exemption applications is a vital aspect of its strategy to empower the local industrial sector. By providing timely and efficient services, the ministry is not only supporting the economic growth of the region but also laying the groundwork for a robust industrial future in Saudi Arabia.
In conclusion, the proactive steps taken by the Ministry underscore its dedication to fostering industrial growth and competitiveness through practical support measures such as customs exemptions. This approach not only highlights the ministry’s commitment to its strategic objectives but also assures that local industries are well-equipped to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global market. With the continued focus on facilitation and support, the Saudi industrial sector is poised for significant advancements and expanded opportunities.
