Global Trade Alert: Saudi Arabia Bans Poultry and Egg Imports from 40 Countries Including India

On February 26, 2026, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority announced a comprehensive ban on poultry and table‑egg imports from 40 countries, with additional regional restrictions affecting 16 nations. 

Full Ban Covering 40 Exporting Nations 

The authority listed 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, United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire and Montenegro as fully prohibited sources.  

Some restrictions have been in place since 2004 and are reviewed periodically against global health data. 

Partial Curbs on 16 Countries 

Partial measures target specific provinces or cities in Australia, United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are not nationwide bans but limit imports from identified regions deemed higher risk. 

 Exemptions for Processed Poultry and Egg Products 

Heat‑treated or otherwise processed poultry meat and egg items that comply with approved health requirements are exempt. Exporters must provide a health certificate from the competent authority, demonstrate that processing eliminates avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses, and confirm that the product originates from an approved facility. 

Read More: Elon Musk's xAI Secures $3 Billion from Saudi's Humain in Series E Round! 

Conclusion 

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s actions aim to safeguard public health by restricting raw poultry and egg imports from a broad list of countries while allowing processed goods that meet stringent safety standards. Ongoing reviews will adjust the list in line with international disease developments. 

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