The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has issued a circular, mandating cargo owners to stow goods imported in containers into Saudi Arabia with the use of pallets, aiming to enhance the productivity of Saudi port operations in line with international standards.
The mandate, which is projected to come into effect on 1 March 2022, implements seaport regulations set by the Gulf Cooperation Council aiming to maintain the “highest standards” of infrastructure, equipment, systems, and services for ports region-wide.
According to the circular, the safe stowage of goods on pallets is essential to the efficiency of port services, ensuring ease of handling with specialised equipment, a streamlined transfer process, faster customs clearance, and avoidance of damaged goods, in addition to facilitating trade.
Exclusions from the mandate include dry or liquid bulk materials that are loaded directly on their means of transport, raw materials stored in jumbo bags of large weights, as well as steel products that are difficult to load on pallets.
“The authority will continue to review and update the excluded goods list in coordination with the relevant authorities and will take all measures for non-compliance in accordance with the violations and penalties clause of the seaport charter while continuing to collect the specified fees and charges,” noted MAWANI in a statement.
