Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced sweeping restrictions on poultry and egg imports from 40 countries, alongside partial bans on specific regions within 16 additional countries. The move aims to safeguard public health and strengthen domestic food security, with Bangladesh and India among the affected nations.
The SFDA stated that these measures are based on regular risk assessments informed by international data on pandemics and contagious animal diseases. Some of the full bans have been in place since 2004, while others have been implemented gradually following careful evaluation of disease risks. Particular attention has been paid to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, and Newcastle disease outbreaks.
Countries Affected by SFDA Poultry Import Restrictions
| Type of Ban | Countries / Regions |
|---|---|
| Full Ban | Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire, Montenegro |
| Partial Ban | Australia, United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, Democratic Republic of Congo |
The SFDA clarified that these restrictions do not apply to heat-processed poultry products, provided they are accompanied by official certificates confirming that the products have been properly processed and any bird flu or Newcastle disease virus has been fully inactivated. Furthermore, such products must originate from facilities approved by the exporting country.
Experts emphasise that import controls of this nature play a critical role in protecting public health and regulating international trade. Without stringent oversight, countries like Saudi Arabia could face rapid disease outbreaks, potentially compromising local food security.
Although temporary, these measures are likely to directly affect poultry and egg exports from Bangladesh, India, and other nations. They serve as a crucial warning for exporters and importers, especially during winter months or periods of heightened risk due to natural disasters.
Looking ahead, SFDA’s rigorous enforcement may influence future updates to international poultry export standards, presenting new challenges for exporters in South Asia. By maintaining strict import regulations, Saudi Arabia underscores the importance of safeguarding both public health and global trade stability.