MAWANI implements temporary ban on vehicle imports from 21 Automakers

RIYADH : The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has issued a temporary ban on vehicle imports from 21 automotive manufacturers for their failure to comply with regulatory requirements. The directive, prompted by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), targets manufacturers that have not submitted their supply plans for 2025.

This enforcement follows a communication from SASO, which highlighted non-compliance with the Saudi Corporate Average Fuel Economy (Saudi CAEF) standards for light vehicles, slated for the period 2024–2028. According to SASO’s requirements, manufacturers were obligated to provide a detailed supply plan for 2025, outlining their adherence to these standards.

The manufacturers affected by this ban have not met the submission deadline, resulting in a prohibition against the entry of new light vehicles (weighing 3.5 tons or less) from these companies into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This ban will remain in effect until the required supply plans are submitted, with a deadline set for the end of the current year.

MAWANI has announced that the list of banned manufacturers will be available on the Energy Efficiency Portal. The list will be updated periodically to reflect any changes in compliance status, starting from mid-April 2025. This measure aims to ensure that all vehicle imports meet the Kingdom’s stringent standards for fuel efficiency and environmental compliance, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact in the automotive sector.

Source : Shipping Arabia