Measures tightened against fake products

Lab tests mandatory for imported goods from Nov. 4

MADINAH – Saudi Customs Department will impose a ban on import of goods for which there are no laboratory test facilities in the Kingdom from Nov. 4 (Muharram 1). A committee, comprising various government agencies, took the decision to ban entry of such products, as well as to return them to their original destinations, according to sources at the department.  The committee has also ordered returning those goods, which do not have the attached certificates. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has approved the committee’s decision. The committee issued the order after examining the annual report of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) in this regard.  The department has notified all importers in the Kingdom that the ban decision should be enforced strictly effective from the beginning of the next Hijri year.   Saudi Customs has instructed the concerned agencies to test the products to ensure that they are meeting all the terms and conditions set by SASO. This is also part of the measures to prevent entry of counterfeit and duplicate products into the Kingdom.