Article 24 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law
المادة 24 من نظام قانون الجمارك الموحد لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية · الباب الثالث: المنع والتقييد
Article 24 requires the Administration to prevent the entry, exit or transit of prohibited or non-compliant goods, and of restricted goods except with the approval of the competent bodies in the State.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تمنع الإدارة بموجب أحكام هذا النظام "القانون" أو أي نظام "قانون" أو قرار آخر دخول البضائع الممنوعة أو المخالفة أو خروجها أو عبورها، كما تمنع دخول البضائع المقيدة أو خروجها أو عبورها إلا بموجب موافقة صادرة عن جهات الاختصاص في الدولة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 24 explained in plain English
This article specifies the treatment of prohibited and restricted goods at the border, and distinguishes between two categories:
- Prohibited or non-compliant goods: the Administration prevents their entry, exit or transit. The rule here is absolute in the text.
- Restricted goods: the Administration prevents their entry, exit or transit except with approval issued by the competent bodies in the State.
The source of the prohibition or restriction: it is under the provisions of this Law, or any other law or decision. The list of prohibited and restricted goods does not appear in this article, but in several provisions.
Article 2 defines:
- Prohibited goods: those the State prohibits importing or exporting based on the provisions of this Law or another law.
- Restricted goods: those whose import or export is restricted under the provisions of this Law or any other law.
- The Administration: the General Administration of Customs.
Note that the rule also covers transit, not only entry and exit.
Someone who wants to import restricted goods must obtain the approval of the competent body before doing so, and the article does not specify that body for each type of goods.
This article is linked to Article 23, which prohibits land transport means from entering or leaving in areas with no customs districts, and to Article 25, which subjects imported goods to proof of origin.
To assess the position of a particular shipment or transaction, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in customs and commercial matters.
Practical example
The owner of an establishment in Jeddah wants to import a product whose import requires the approval of a competent government body. Under this article customs prevents its entry unless he submits the approval issued by the competent body.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 24 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law
What is the difference between prohibited and restricted goods in customs?
Prohibited or non-compliant goods are prevented from entry, exit and transit, while restricted goods are prevented except with approval issued by the competent bodies in the State.
Does the prohibition cover transit of goods?
Yes. The article provides for preventing entry, exit or transit.
Where can I find the list of prohibited goods?
The article refers to the provisions of this Law or any other law or decision, and does not contain a list of them.
More articles on Prohibition, Restriction and Points of Entry
- Article 19
Article 19 requires a customs declaration for every good entering or leaving the State, and the goods to be presented to the customs authorities at the nearest customs district.
يقدم عن كل بضاعة تدخل الدولة أو تخرج منها بيان جمركي، وتعرض البضاعة على السلطات الجمركية في أقرب دائرة جمركية.
- Article 20
Article 20 prohibits sea transport vessels entering the State from anchoring anywhere other than ports prepared to receive them, except in an emergency maritime circumstance or force majeure, and requires the master to notify the nearest customs district or security post without delay.
يحظر على وسائل النقل البحرية التي تدخل الدولة مهما كانت حمولتها الاستيعابية أن ترسو في غير الموانئ المعدة لاستقبالها، إلا في ظرف بحري طارئ أو بسبب قوة قاهرة، وع
- Article 21
Article 21 prohibits vessels with a carrying capacity under two hundred nautical tons from entering or moving within the maritime customs zone loaded with restricted, prohibited or high-duty goods, except in a maritime emergency or force majeure.
يحظر على السفن التي تقل حولتها الاستيعابية عن مائتي طن بحري أن تدخل أو تنتقل ضمن النطاق الجمركي البحري وهي محملة بالبضائع المقيدة، أو الممنوع استيرادها، أو الخا
- Article 22
Article 22 prohibits aircraft departing from or arriving in the State from taking off or landing at airports with no customs district except in force majeure, and requires the pilot to notify and submit a supported report, unless otherwise provided.
يحظر على الطائرات المغادرة من الدولة أو القادمة إليها أن تقلع أو تهبط في المطارات التي لا توجد فيها دوائر جمركية، إلا في حالات القوة القاهرة، وعلى قائد الطائرة
- Article 23
Article 23 prohibits land transport means from entering or leaving the State in areas where there are no customs districts.
يحظر على وسائل النقل البرية دخول الدولة أو الخروج منها في المناطق التي لا توجد فيها دوائر جمركية.
- Article 37
Aircraft crossing the State's borders must follow the air routes set for them and land only at airports with customs districts, subject to Article 22.
مع مراعاة ما نصت عليه المادة (22) من هذا النظام "القانون" على الطائرات أن تسلك عند اجتيازها حدود الدولة الطرق الجوية المحددة لها، وألا تهبط إلا في المطارات التي
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.