Certificate of Origin for Export: Step by Step

The Certificate of Origin is a product’s identity card in international trade. It proves the product is “Made in Saudi Arabia” and unlocks customs exemptions in the importing country.

What is a Certificate of Origin?

An official document issued by the Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, proving:

• The product’s country of origin
• The certified manufacturer
• Compliance with rules of origin

Golden rule: Without a Certificate of Origin, customs in the importing country may reject the entire shipment.

The Three Main Types

1. General Certificate of Origin

• For all countries outside the GCC
• Proves the product is Saudi
• May not grant customs exemptions

2. GCC Certificate of Origin

• For Gulf Cooperation Council countries
• Grants full customs exemption under the GCC Customs Union
• Stricter origin requirements

3. Preferential Certificate of Origin (FTA)

• For countries with Free Trade Agreements with Saudi Arabia
• Examples: Turkey, Singapore, Pakistan
• Grants partial or full exemptions

Rules of Origin

Wholly Originating Products

The product is entirely from Saudi Arabia:

• Local agricultural products
• Locally extracted minerals
• Products made from 100% Saudi materials

Substantially Transformed Products

A product with imported materials, but local value added ≥ 40%:

• Example: Assembling devices in Saudi Arabia from imported parts (if local value ≥ 40%)

⚠️ Attempting workarounds (relabeling imports as Saudi) is legally prohibited.

Steps to Obtain the Certificate

Step 1: Register with the Chamber of Commerce

• Valid Commercial Registration
• Tax Certificate
• Official signature from a responsible party

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Final commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Product details (HS Code, quantity, weight)
• Proof of Saudi origin (for factories: industrial license)

Step 3: Submit on the Electronic System

• The Chamber of Commerce offers electronic services
• Fill in shipment data
• Attach documents
• Pay fees

Step 4: Approval

• Chamber reviews documents
• Official certificate authentication
• Chamber stamp and signature
• Original copy + certified copies issued

Certificate Fees (approximate)

Type	Fees
General	SAR 50–150
GCC	SAR 100–200
FTA	SAR 150–250
Extra copies	SAR 30–50

Issuance Time

• Typically: 1–3 business days
• With complete documents: same day
• Needs technical review: 5–7 days

Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong country of origin (imports labeled as Saudi) ❌ Wrong HS Code on the certificate ❌ Quantities don’t match the invoice ❌ Inconsistent dates between documents ❌ Forged Chamber stamp (detected immediately)

Tips for New Exporters

1. Obtain the certificate before shipping (not after arrival)
2. Keep multiple copies (importing customs, bank, records)
3. Ensure Incoterms match between invoice and certificate
4. Consult an expert if rules of origin are complex

Goods That Cannot Be Exported

⚠️ Saudi law prohibits exporting imported products as Saudi origin.

Imported goods can only be re-exported, not exported with a Saudi Certificate of Origin.

OBOOR’s Tip

OBOOR handles:

• Obtaining the Certificate of Origin on your behalf
• Coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce
• Preparing all supporting documents
• Ensuring acceptance in the importing country

Book a free export consultation — we review your product and identify the right certificate type.