Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Import and Export Clearance for the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia

In the arena of global trade, emerging markets are gradually emerging as new frontiers for numerous enterprises to expand their businesses. While geopolitical uncertainties pose challenges to many import-export companies, emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia have demonstrated enormous potential. These regions are not only rich in resources and vast in market size but also boast a huge young consumer base, bringing unprecedented opportunities for business development. However, the complex trade policies, strict religious and cultural requirements, and ever-changing customs clearance rules in emerging markets have deterred many enterprises. This article today will provide a detailed interpretation of the key points for import and export customs clearance in the emerging markets of the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

• The Middle East

The Middle East market has a GDP that ranks among the top in the world, with a large youth population. Religious compliance is a core criterion for entering the Middle East market, while trade policies are changeable and technical standards are upgraded rapidly.

1. Saudi Arabia: Starting from January 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must apply for a Batch Certificate (SC) through the SABER system. Applications after the goods arrive at the port will be invalid. Building materials require additional applications for a Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) and a Shipment Conformity Certificate (SCoC) through the SABER platform, and must comply with the latest technical standards.
2. The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Some goods are exempt from duties. The UAE has signed free trade agreements with many countries, offering tariff preferences. In addition, the policies of free trade zones are relatively flexible. Goods entering free trade zones can enjoy tax-free warehousing benefits, etc.

• Africa Region

The African market has great economic potential but unbalanced development, with diverse cultures. Therefore, enterprises should respect local cultural taboos in product design, marketing and promotion. Many African countries have been implementing traditional pre-shipment inspection or conformity verification.

1. Nigeria: SONCAP is a mandatory conformity assessment procedure in Nigeria, applicable to most imported products. Products need to be tested by an authorized body to obtain a Product Certificate (PC), and a Shipment Certificate (SC) should be applied for before shipment. For special goods such as chemicals exported from China to Nigeria, a special CRIA report is required to prove that the exported products comply with Nigeria’s relevant standards and regulations.
2. Kenya: Kenya has been implementing the PVOC conformity certification program for many years, and most imported goods require a Certificate of Conformity (COC).
3. South Africa: The customs management in South Africa is relatively standardized, with strict requirements for customs clearance documents. High-risk products need to obtain SABS certification.

• Southeast Asian Region

The Southeast Asian region has a strong economic growth momentum and huge potential in the consumer market, but regional development is uneven and logistics costs are high. In terms of trade policies, it actively promotes regional economic integration.

1. Thailand: The Thai customs is very strict on the declared value of imported goods. If the declared value does not match the actual value, penalties will be imposed or the customs clearance documents will be revalued.
2. Indonesia: For controlled goods, Indonesia requires applying for import licenses in advance. In addition, Indonesia also has a pre-shipment inspection called IVP.
3. The Philippines: The Philippine Bureau of Customs implements a pre-shipment inspection system called LPSR certification for some special goods. The Philippines also has ICC certification requirements for imported goods.

Enterprises should do sufficient homework before export, pay close attention to the policy trends of the importing countries in real time, and consult through official platforms or third-party institutions to understand the import and export requirements and avoid pitfalls.