Importing Timber to the UAE and Saudi Arabia: What Brazilian Suppliers Provide
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
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