Introduction
Are you struggling to import hospitality and catering equipment into Saudi Arabia without facing delays, unexpected compliance issues, or surprise rejections at customs?
This frustration is common among many hotel developers, restaurant owners, and cafes operators whereby commercial ovens, refrigerators, kitchen appliances, or stainless-steel supplies are held at the port by wrong HS codes or no SASO and SFDA approvals..
The main issue is simple, hospitality equipment is subject to several regulations, and even the slightest misclassification may cause shipment holds, fines, or even re-exportation. These delays in the fast-paced foodservice sector where project completion is usually driven by deadlines can cause openings to be postponed, escalate costs and change operational schedules.
Here is the good news — there is a smoother way forward.
You can clear your imports of catering equipment in KSA without hassles by following the right HS codes of Saudi Arabia, the assurance of compliance to SASO energy efficiency, and the preparation of SFDA documents of food-contact surfaces. Your commercial appliances arrive in your kitchen at the right time with sufficient planning and the assistance of a skilled logistics firm and are completely in line with the regulations of hospitality investment.
Understanding Hospitality & Catering Equipment HS Codes in Saudi Arabia
The Harmonized System (HS) is a global coding structure used to classify products during international trade. In Saudi Arabia, accurate HS classification determines:
- Applicable customs duties
- The need of SASO/Saber certification of the product.
- The mandatoryity of an energy efficiency label.
- Where there is need to have SFDA hygiene or material safety approval.
- The classification of the item as either a restricted or a regulated one
- The exporter may provide other documents which are required.
Hospitality and catering equipment often overlaps between electrical, mechanical, and food-contact categories, making correct classification essential.
Why HS Code Accuracy Matters for Hotels, Restaurants & Catering Companies
Errors in the choice of HS codes may be expensive. The problems that are faced by importers on regular basis include:
- Delays in port clearance
- Denial of Saber certificates.
- Storage penalties
- Re-exportation of goods
- SFDA non-compliance reports
- Incorrect duty charges
- Registration of a suspended product.
Since most hospitality products, particularly commercial refrigerators, oven, beverage machines, and others, are subject to SASO and SFDA standards, precision is important to any hospitality company.
HS Codes for Commercial Kitchen Appliances Used in Hotels & Restaurants
Kitchen appliances form the heart of the hospitality sector. Below are the HS codes most commonly used for commercial kitchen equipment in Saudi Arabia.
Commercial Ovens & Cooking Ranges
Electric ovens for restaurants fall under 8514.20.00, covering industrial-grade ovens used in hotels and central kitchens.
Gas cooking ranges are classified under 7321.11.00, while combination ovens used for steam and convection cooking fall under 8514.30.00.
Pizza ovens and high-temperature bakery ovens typically fall under 8514.40.00.
These units usually require SASO electrical safety approval, and energy efficiency labels may apply depending on the model.
HS Codes for Commercial Refrigeration & Cooling Equipment
Refrigeration is heavily regulated in Saudi Arabia due to energy consumption policies. These are among the most imported hospitality items.
- Commercial refrigerators: 8418.30.00
- Commercial freezers or deep freezers: 8418.40.00
- Walk-in cold rooms: 8418.50.00
- Ice makers: 8418.69.00
- Refrigerator display cabinets: 8418.21.00
Each of these typically requires a SASO energy efficiency label, electrical safety certification, and compliance with refrigerant regulations.
HS Codes for Food Preparation Machinery for Restaurants & Catering Facilities
Food preparation equipment is widely used in catering companies, hotels, and cloud kitchens.
- Commercial mixers and dough mixers: 8438.10.00
- Grinders, mincers, and cutting machines: 8438.50.00
- Vegetable cutters and processors: 8438.60.00
- Meat slicers and industrial food preparation units: 8438.80.00
- Blenders and juicers: 8509.40.00
- Commercial microwaves: 8516.50.00
- Electric steamers and heating appliances: 8516.79.00
Some machines require food-contact safety certification, depending on their components.
HS Codes for Beverage Equipment: Coffee Machines, Dispensers & Café Supplies
The Kingdom’s booming café culture has created strong demand for beverage equipment imports. Common classifications include:
- Commercial espresso machines: 8516.71.00
- Coffee vending machines: 8476.21.00
- Hot and cold water dispensers: 8516.10.00
- Juice dispensers: 8438.80.00
- Ice-blended drink machines and chillers: 8418.69.00
Several beverage machines require SFDA clearance when they dispense liquids intended for human consumption.
HS Codes for Restaurant Supplies & Stainless-Steelware
Hotels and restaurants require large volumes of stainless-steel supplies. These include:
- Stainless-steel kitchen utensils: 7323.93.00
- Serving trays and utility items: 7323.99.00
- Cutlery, forks, spoons, serving tools: 8215.20.00
- Professional knives and chef knives: 8211.91.00
- Non-electric pots, pans, tawa, cookware: 7323.94.00
- Chafing dishes and catering warmers: 7321.90.00
- Stainless-steel sinks, work tables, and kitchen setups: 7324.10.00
These items often require hygiene compliance documents depending on the material grade.
SFDA Requirements for Food-Contact Hospitality Equipment
Any hospitality or catering equipment that comes into direct contact with food, drink, or ice often falls under SFDA supervision.
Examples include:
- Espresso machines
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Food processors
- Juicers and blenders
- Water dispensers
- Ice makers
- Stainless-steel cookware
SFDA may request documentation such as:
- Food-grade material certificates
- Safety test reports
- Declarations of conformity from the manufacturer
- Importer registration on the SFDA platform
Failing to meet SFDA requirements results in immediate clearance delays.
SASO & Saber Regulations for Hospitality Equipment Imports
Most hospitality and catering appliances require SASO compliance. The key regulations include:
Electrical Safety Compliance
All electric appliances—ovens, coffee machines, refrigerators, blenders—must comply with IEC-based safety standards and Saudi plug requirements.
SASO Energy Efficiency
Mandatory for:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Ice makers
- Refrigerated cabinets
Some ovens and heating appliances may also fall under efficiency rules depending on wattage and design.
Saber Product Registration
Every imported item must be registered, approved, and granted a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC).
A Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for customs clearance.
Full Reference List for Key Restaurant Supplies HS Codes
To support importers, restaurant operators, and catering companies, here is a consolidated reference group:
- Commercial ovens: 8514.20.00 / 8514.30.00
- Gas cooking ranges: 7321.11.00
- Deep freezers: 8418.40.00
- Commercial refrigerators: 8418.30.00
- Cold rooms and walk-in freezers: 8418.50.00
- Ice machines: 8418.69.00
- Espresso machines: 8516.71.00
- Blenders: 8509.40.00
- Mixers: 8438.10.00
- Meat slicers: 8438.80.00
- Stainless-steel utensils: 7323.93.00
- Cutlery: 8215.20.00
- Vending machines: 8476.21.00
This list supports your target keywords:
Hospitality HS codes Saudi Arabia, catering equipment import KSA, restaurant supplies HS codes.
Importance of HS Codes for Hospitality Investment Compliance in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality transformation includes strict regulations for:
- Energy usage
- Hygiene and food safety
- Fire safety in commercial kitchens
- Approved materials for food-handling environments
- Environmental sustainability
Correct HS code usage ensures alignment with these requirements, especially during:
- Hotel kitchen licensing
- Restaurant opening permits
- Catering company approvals
- Café and beverage shop certification
This is why importers supplying hotels and restaurants must follow HS code guidelines carefully.
Common Import Challenges for Hospitality Equipment
Some of the most frequent issues importers face include:
- Wrong HS code chosen during shipment declaration
- Missing SASO energy efficiency label on refrigerators
- Incorrectly uploaded conformity documents on Saber.
- Lack of SFDA material safety documentation
- Importer not registered for SFDA food-contact products.
- Product specifications do not match the declared code.
- Port delays due to misalignment between the technical regulation and the HS code
These issues slow down restaurant openings, hotel fit-outs, and catering service launches.
How Palm Horizon Supports Hospitality & Catering Equipment Imports
Palm Horizon provides professional logistics and customs support tailored to the hospitality sector. Services include:
- HS code verification before shipment
- SASO/Saber compliance for electrical and refrigeration equipment
- SFDA documentation support for food-contact machinery
- Complete port clearance
- Safe transportation for fragile and high-value appliances
- End-to-end logistics for hotel kitchens and restaurant projects
Whether you are importing equipment for a new café, commercial kitchen, hotel, or catering business, Palm Horizon ensures compliance and smooth delivery.
Visit Palm Horizon to streamline your hospitality equipment imports.
FAQ
Are hospitality HS codes different for gas and electric ovens?
Yes. Gas and electric ovens fall under different HS classifications in Saudi Arabia. Each type follows separate safety, efficiency, and conformity rules.
Do stainless steel food tables require SFDA clearance?
Yes, if the table directly touches food or liquids. SFDA checks material safety, coatings, and hygiene standards before approval.
Can wrong HS codes lead to penalties?
Yes. Misclassification triggers fines, delays, extra inspections, and sometimes full shipment rejection at Saudi customs.
Why is IECEE certification needed for kitchen equipment?
Electrical catering equipment must meet international safety standards. IECEE ensures the unit is safe, compliant, and eligible for SASO approval.
How does Palm Horizon support hospitality importers?
Palm Horizon handles HS coding, Saber registration, SASO compliance, and provides AEO-speed clearance for hospitality equipment.
Can a single shipment contain multiple risk-level items?
Yes, but mixed-risk cargo increases inspection time. AEO importers get priority processing and reduced examination.
Do food-contact plastics require testing?
Yes. SFDA requires testing to confirm plastic components are safe for food handling and free from harmful substances.
Conclusion
Hospitality and catering equipment play an essential role in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding foodservice and hotel ecosystem. Accurate HS code classification ensures seamless importation, regulatory approval, and compliance with national hospitality standards.
This guide provided a complete breakdown of the most important HS codes for:
- Commercial ovens and ranges
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Beverage machines
- Food-preparation equipment
- Stainless-steel restaurant supplies
Along with SASO energy rules, SFDA hygiene requirements, and importer obligations.
