Saudi Arabia Delays Poultry Standard, Extends Thai Export Window

Saudi Arabia has accepted Thailand's proposal to postpone enforcement of the Saudi GAP standard until March 17, 2027, allowing Thai poultry farms undergoing certification to continue exporting under specified conditions. Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the extension will reduce the impact on exporters and maintain continuity of Thailand's poultry shipments to the kingdom.

The success resulted from continued follow-up and negotiations by the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) working with the Department of Livestock. They promoted the issue through bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia and in World Trade Organization forums on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT), as well as through diplomatic channels, ultimately securing the relaxation and timeline extension.

Saudi GAP is a new requirement mandating that poultry farms exporting to Saudi Arabia undergo additional inspection and certification. The latest discussions confirmed that Thai farms seeking certification may continue exporting using import permits issued before the measure took effect.

Saudi Arabia is a major poultry importer, averaging over 570,000 tons annually. In 2568, Thailand exported approximately 100 tons of chicken to Saudi Arabia, valued at roughly 8 million baht. While current export volumes remain modest, Saudi Arabia represents a high-potential market and a gateway to the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, whose food and agricultural imports are rising steadily. This relaxation preserves existing markets while creating opportunities for Thailand to expand exports to the Middle East long-term.

Minister Suriya emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will continue opening markets for Thai agricultural and food products while addressing trade barriers with partner countries to create new opportunities and enhance Thai exporters' global competitiveness.

Businesses or interested parties seeking more information about Saudi GAP standards and poultry product exports to Saudi Arabia can contact the Agricultural and Food Commodity Standards Policy Division at the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) at aseanchina.acfs@gmail.com.