Complete Guide to Chemicals & Industrial Raw Materials HS Codes in Saudi Arabia 

  • Home
  • Our Blog
  • Business
  • Complete Guide to Chemicals & Industrial Raw Materials HS Codes in Saudi Arabia 
October 09,2025

Introduction: The Challenge Every Importer Faces

Are you tired of customs delays or shipment rejections when importing chemicals into Saudi Arabia?
Many importers face frustrating setbacks because their HS codes are mismatched or incomplete, leading to costly fines, SASO rejections, and wasted time at Saudi ports. It’s a common challenge that can turn a profitable trade into a compliance nightmare.Here’s the good news — there’s a simple fix.
By understanding the correct HS codes for chemicals and industrial raw materials and aligning your documentation with SASO and ZATCA requirements, you can make every shipment smooth, compliant, and cost-efficient. With expert guidance from Palm Horizon KSA, importers can confidently manage certifications, labeling, and permits without stress.

An incorrect code can lead to:

  • Customs rejection or re-export
  • Fines from SASO and ZATCA
  • Environmental non-compliance
  • Product recall or storage restrictions

But the solution is simple: understanding and applying the correct HS Codes for Chemicals & Industrial Raw Materials — a key to smooth operations, cost efficiency, and compliance confidence.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: HS code listings, regulatory requirements, documentation, and real-world examples for importers and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia.

What Are HS Codes — and Why They Matter in KSA

HS (Harmonized System) Codes are 6- to 10-digit numbers developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify products in international trade.
In Saudi Arabia, HS codes help authorities:

  • Identify product type and risk category
  • Determine customs duties and VAT
  • Check SASO or SFDA compliance
  • Regulate hazardous and environmentally sensitive materials

Saudi Arabia’s ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) integrates HS codes into its digital tariff system, aligning with GCC Common Customs Tariff rules.

Core HS Code Categories for Chemicals & Industrial Materials

Saudi Arabia’s chemical industry is broad — from fertilizers and solvents to advanced polymers. Below is a categorized, in-depth list covering all major chemical segments used in KSA’s industrial economy.

1. Fertilizers & Agrochemicals (HS Codes 3101–3105)

Fertilizers are vital to Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector, supporting food security and sustainable farming under Vision 2030.

Product TypeHS CodeDescription
Animal or Vegetable Fertilizers3101.00Natural fertilizers, untreated
Nitrogenous Fertilizers3102.10 – 3102.90Ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate
Phosphatic Fertilizers3103.10 – 3103.90Calcium superphosphates
Potassic Fertilizers3104.20 – 3104.90Potassium chloride, potassium nitrate
Compound Fertilizers3105.10 – 3105.90NPK blends, urea-phosphate compounds
Micronutrient Fertilizers3105.60Zinc, iron, manganese-based fertilizers
Organic Fertilizers3101.00.10Compost, bone meal, guano

Compliance Tip:
Importers must register fertilizers under Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) for quality and environmental safety approval.

 2. Paints, Pigments & Surface Coatings (HS Codes 3206–3215)

Saudi Arabia’s booming construction and infrastructure projects create massive demand for paints, coatings, and pigments.

Product TypeHS CodeDescription
Synthetic Polymer-Based Paints3208.10 – 3208.90Acrylic, vinyl, alkyd coatings
Water-Based Paints3209.10 – 3209.90Latex and emulsion paints
Pigments & Coloring Matter3206.11 – 3206.49Titanium dioxide, iron oxide, zinc chromate
Varnishes & Lacquers3210.00Polyurethane and nitrocellulose varnishes
Printing Inks3215.11 – 3215.19Flexographic and offset inks
Paint Driers & Additives3810.10 – 3810.90Cobalt octoate, manganese-based driers

Import Requirement:
Paints must comply with SASO Energy Efficiency & VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) standards, ensuring reduced emissions and safer environments.

3. Plastics, Polymers & Synthetic Resins (HS Codes 3901–3926)

Plastics form the largest segment of chemical imports in KSA due to petrochemical manufacturing and packaging industries.

Product TypeHS CodeDescription
Polyethylene (PE)3901.10 – 3901.90HDPE, LDPE resins
Polypropylene (PP)3902.10 – 3902.90Injection and extrusion grades
Polystyrene (PS)3903.11 – 3903.90GPPS, HIPS, EPS
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)3904.10 – 3904.90Rigid and flexible PVC
PET & Polyesters3907.10 – 3907.99PET chips, films
Acrylic Polymers3906.10 – 3906.90PMMA, acrylic resins
Epoxy Resins3909.10 – 3909.90Bisphenol-A based compounds
Silicones3910.00Silicone fluids, sealants
Polyurethanes3909.50 – 3909.99Foam and coating-grade PU
Plastic Sheets & Films3920.10 – 3921.90Laminates, wraps, PVC films

SASO Note:
Plastics must adhere to SASO Eco Labeling & Degradable Plastics Regulation (SASO 2879:2016), ensuring environmental sustainability.

4. Organic Chemicals (HS Codes 2901–2942)

These are the foundation chemicals used across KSA’s refining, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

Product TypeHS CodeDescription
Hydrocarbons2901.10 – 2902.90Methane, ethane, benzene, toluene
Alcohols2905.11 – 2905.59Methanol, ethanol, propanol
Phenols2907.11 – 2907.29Phenol, cresols
Aldehydes & Ketones2912.11 – 2914.39Formaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone
Carboxylic Acids2915.12 – 2918.90Acetic acid, citric acid
Esters & Ethers2915.21 – 2917.90Ethyl acetate, diethyl ether
Amines2921.11 – 2922.90Aniline, urea derivatives
Nitrogen Compounds2923.10 – 2923.90Quaternary ammonium salts
Organosulfur Compounds2930.10 – 2930.90Sulfones, thiols

Compliance Tip:
Some organic solvents require special import permits due to flammability or environmental toxicity.

5. Inorganic Chemicals, Acids & Industrial Gases (HS Codes 2801–2853)

Essential for industrial, construction, and manufacturing applications.

Product TypeHS CodeDescription
Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen2804.10 – 2804.40Industrial gas cylinders
Sulfur & Carbon2802.00 – 2803.00Sulfuric acid raw
Acids (Inorganic)2811.10 – 2811.90Hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric acid
Oxides & Peroxides2825.10 – 2826.90Zinc oxide, manganese dioxide
Chlorides & Sulfates2833.11 – 2834.29Sodium chloride, aluminum sulfate
Silicates2839.10 – 2839.90Sodium and potassium silicate
Industrial Gases2804.21 – 2804.60Argon, helium, carbon dioxide

6. Chemical Preparations & Solvents (HS Codes 3810–3824)

Used across laboratories, refineries, and cleaning industries.

Product TypeHS CodeDescription
Anti-Knock Preparations3811.11 – 3811.90Fuel additives
Solvents3814.00Industrial degreasers, alcohol mixtures
Chemical Reagents3822.00 – 3822.90Laboratory and diagnostic reagents
Cleaning Compounds3402.11 – 3402.90Industrial detergents
Fire Retardants3824.30 – 3824.99Chemical additives for safety

Note:
Solvent imports must comply with SASO flammability labeling and Hazardous Material Storage standards.

Graph: Import Share by Category (Saudi Arabia 2025)

CategoryImport Share (%)Growth TrendIndustry Impact
Plastics & Polymers36%▲ RisingPackaging, construction
Fertilizers24%► StableAgriculture expansion
Paints & Pigments15%▲ ModerateInfrastructure & housing
Organic Chemicals10%▲ ModeratePharma, cosmetics
Industrial Solvents9%▼ DecliningDue to green policies
Adhesives & Resins6%▲ GrowingManufacturing, automotive

Saudi Arabia’s Regulatory Framework for Chemical Imports

Importing chemicals is not just about codes — it’s about safety, compliance, and traceability.

Key Authorities:

  • ZATCA (Customs Authority): HS classification and duty rates
  • SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology & Quality Org): Product safety and conformity
  • MEWA: Fertilizer and agrochemical permits
  • SFDA: For pharmaceutical and biotech chemicals

Mandatory Documents:

  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
  • SASO/SABER Certificate of Conformity
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
  • Arabic labeling and hazard pictograms

Implementation Overview: Step-by-Step Compliance Flow

  1. Classify Product under Correct HS Code via ZATCA portal.
  2. Register on SABER Platform for SASO approval.
  3. Obtain Import Permits (MEWA/SFDA for hazardous items).
  4. Attach SDS and GHS-compliant Labels.
  5. Coordinate with a Licensed Logistics Partner such as Palm Horizon KSA for customs clearance and documentation.

Practical Case Study: Avoiding HS Code Penalties

A Riyadh-based importer of industrial solvents misclassified a shipment under 3814.00 instead of 3811.21, resulting in SAR 45,000 fines and two-week delay.
After partnering with Palm Horizon, they realigned classification with SASO data, enabling faster clearance and preventing future penalties.

Comparison: KSA vs. Global Chemical Classification

CriteriaKSAEUUSA
Main AuthoritySASO + ZATCAREACH, ECHAEPA, CBP
Labeling RequirementArabic + EnglishEU GHSOSHA GHS
Digital CertificationSABERREACH PortalTSCA e-file
Environmental RestrictionsStrong (Vision 2030)ModerateHigh for emissions
Penalty SeverityVery HighModerateVariable

Industries That Depend on These HS Codes

  • Petrochemical Refineries – feedstock imports
  • Agriculture Sector – fertilizers, soil enhancers
  • Paint & Construction – pigments, sealants
  • Pharmaceuticals – reagents, alcohols
  • Packaging Manufacturers – plastic resins
  • Energy & Mining – chemical solvents and additives

FAQs: HS Codes & Chemical Imports in Saudi Arabia

1. What happens if my HS code is incorrect?
You may face customs delays, fines, or re-export orders under SASO and ZATCA rules. Accurate HS codes ensure faster clearance and prevent costly penalties.

2. Do all chemicals require SASO certification?
Yes, most industrial and hazardous chemicals must be registered on SABER for SASO conformity before import.

3. How can I check my product’s HS code?
Use the ZATCA Customs Tariff Portal or consult a certified logistics expert like Palm Horizon KSA for accurate classification.

4. Are bilingual labels mandatory?
Yes, Arabic and English labels are required with GHS symbols, product names, and safety instructions on all chemical packaging.

5. Can Palm Horizon assist with import documentation?
Absolutely — Palm Horizon KSA provides full logistics, customs clearance, and SASO/SABER compliance support for chemical imports.

Conclusion: Accuracy, Compliance, and Confidence

The chemical trade sector in Saudi Arabia is thriving — from fertilizers and paints to polymers and solvents. But success hinges on one critical factor: accurate HS code classification and full compliance with SASO and environmental standards.

Partnering with Palm Horizon, the best logistics company in KSA, helps importers simplify customs clearance, minimize risks, and maintain operational confidence across borders.

With expertise in chemical logistics, warehousing, and documentation, Palm Horizon ensures every shipment arrives safe, compliant, and on time.

Leave A Comment

Palm Horizon is your trusted logistics partner in Saudi Arabia, built on over 50 years of combined experience. We provide seamless, efficient, and reliable solutions tailored to your unique business needs. We Move With You.
Office K02, Level 01, Tower A Jeddah International Business Centre Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharabiyah Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 22231

Phone: +966-541277769‬

Email: faroukh@palmhorizonksa.com

error: Content is protected !!
Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
  • Image
  • SKU
  • Rating
  • Price
  • Stock
  • Availability
  • Add to cart
  • Description
  • Content
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • Additional information
Click outside to hide the comparison bar
Compare