Saudi Arabia suspends poultry imports from 40 nations, including India, over health concerns

Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter regulations on the import of poultry meat and table eggs in one of the most significant policy updates in recent years.

According to the revised list reviewed by local media, imports from 40 countries are now completely prohibited, while additional regional restrictions apply to certain areas within 16 other countries due to ongoing animal disease concerns worldwide.

Precautionary measures and continuous monitoring : The decision was issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as part of preventive efforts to protect public health and strengthen food safety standards in the domestic market. Officials noted that the list of restricted countries will continue to be reviewed periodically based on global health developments.

Authorities also explained that some bans have been in place since 2004, with additional countries added over time following updated risk assessments and international reports on animal disease outbreaks. A major concern behind the restrictions is the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, prompting ongoing surveillance of the global epidemiological situation and regulatory adjustments when necessary.

Countries under complete import ban : The full prohibition on poultry and table egg imports currently applies to 40 countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Ivory Coast, and Montenegro.

Products originating from these countries are not permitted to enter the Saudi market under the current regulations.

Partial restrictions in additional countries : In addition to the full ban, Saudi authorities have imposed targeted restrictions on specific provinces and cities in 16 countries rather than nationwide bans. These include Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Exemptions for processed products : The authority clarified that poultry meat and related products that undergo sufficient heat treatment or processing capable of eliminating viruses such as avian influenza or Newcastle disease may be exempt from the temporary restrictions.