POULTRYINDONESIA, Jakarta – Saudi Arabia is currently tightening its food security system. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has officially imposed a total ban on poultry and egg imports from 40 countries, including Indonesia, along with partial bans on specific provinces and cities from 16 other nations.

This policy is not merely a reaction to ongoing outbreaks. The SFDA emphasized that the decision is the result of periodic reviews based on epidemiological data and international reports regarding global animal disease developments.

“This step is part of our efforts to strengthen food security and prevent the entry of infectious animal diseases into the country,” stated the official SFDA announcement, as quoted from saudigazette.com on Wednesday (Feb 25, 2026).

Several bans on this list have been in effect since 2004 and have been gradually expanded based on the latest risk assessments. The primary threats concerning the SFDA are Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle Disease (ND), two poultry diseases currently reported to be spreading actively in various countries.

In early 2026, similar temporary bans were also imposed on France and Poland after HPAI and ND outbreaks were detected in several regions of both countries. The ban primarily targets live poultry, table eggs, and products that have not undergone heat treatment.

The list of 40 countries subject to the total ban includes Indonesia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Iran, and several other African nations such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, partial bans apply only to high-risk regions or provinces in countries such as the United States, Australia, France, Italy, Canada, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Despite the strict nature of the policy, the SFDA stated that important exceptions remain. The authority explained that the total ban does not apply to poultry or egg products that have undergone adequate heat treatment proven to inactivate HPAI and ND viruses. However, products must still be accompanied by official health certificates from recognized authorities in the country of origin. Consequently, access to the Saudi market is not entirely closed, though the standards imposed are now significantly more stringent.

The SFDA also emphasized that the list of banned countries may change at any time following developments in the global animal health situation. Countries currently on the list may be removed if conditions improve, and vice-versa.

For exporters, this policy presents a serious challenge. They must choose between investing in heat treatment facilities that meet SFDA standards and completing all certification documentation, or losing access to one of the most promising markets in the Middle East.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia—with a population of over 36 million and a high dependency on food imports—potentially faces supply pressures in the short term, at least until alternative import routes from non-banned countries are secured.

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