Importing Timber to UAE and Saudi Arabia From Brazil

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are two of the most active timber importing markets in the Middle East, driven by construction booms, furniture demand, and packaging requirements. Brazil is a well-established supply origin for both markets — offering competitive FOB pricing, short transit times via Jebel Ali and Dammam, and the documentation infrastructure required for GCC import.

---

Why Brazil for the Middle East?

Geography. Paranaguá (Brazil) to Jebel Ali (UAE): 20–25 days. To Dammam (Saudi Arabia): 22–27 days. This is competitive with Southeast Asian origins and faster than South American alternatives via the Pacific.

No anti-dumping. Neither the UAE nor Saudi Arabia have anti-dumping measures on Brazilian timber products.

FSC and documentation. Middle Eastern buyers increasingly require FSC certification and comprehensive documentation for project specifications, government tenders, and retailer sourcing policies.

---

GCC customs duties

Under the GCC Customs Union Common External Tariff:

Product	HS Code	Duty rate
Softwood plywood (pine)	4412.31	5%
MDF panels	4411.12/14	5%
Sawn timber	4407.11	0%–5%
Solid wood panels	4418	5%

Duties are calculated on CIF value (cost + insurance + freight to GCC port).

Saudi Arabia additionally requires compliance with SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) for certain product categories. Confirm SASO requirements for your specific product at time of inquiry.

---

Key ports

UAE:

• Jebel Ali (Port of Dubai) — largest port in the Middle East; direct services from Brazilian ports; excellent onward distribution within GCC
• Abu Dhabi (Khalifa Port) — growing capacity; used for project cargo

Saudi Arabia:

• Dammam (King Abdulaziz Port) — main east coast port; serves eastern province and Riyadh
• Jeddah Islamic Port — main west coast port; serves Mecca, Medina and western region

---

Transit times from Brazil

Brazil port	Jebel Ali	Dammam	Jeddah
Paranaguá	20–25 days	22–27 days	20–24 days
Santos	21–26 days	23–28 days	21–25 days

---

Documentation for GCC import

Standard EBP documentation package covers all GCC requirements:

Document	Required for
Commercial Invoice	Customs clearance
Packing List	Customs
Bill of Lading	Shipping/customs
Certificate of Origin	Duty assessment and GCC rules of origin
Phytosanitary Certificate	All timber products
ISPM 15 Heat Treatment Certificate	All solid wood
FSC Transaction Certificate	When FSC grade ordered
SASO compliance (if required)	Saudi Arabia specific

---

Products most commonly imported to the GCC

Pine plywood (CDX, A/B, B/B): Used in construction, fit-out, shuttering. A/B and B/B for furniture and joinery.

Film-faced plywood: Widely used in GCC construction for concrete formwork. Demand is strong given the construction activity in the region.

MDF panels: Standard and MR grades for furniture manufacturing and joinery workshops across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Sawn pine: Structural and bed slat applications; logistics and packing industries.

---

Related reading

FOB vs CIF: Which Incoterm Is Right for Your Timber Import? · EUDR and Brazilian Timber · Pine Plywood · MDF Panels

Request a Middle East quote →