Medicago spp seed

Country
Saudi Arabia (SA)
Group
Grains / Seeds
End use
Sowing
NPPO Details
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
Relevant Web Addresses
https://www.mewa.gov.sa/en/
Criteria Criteria Required?
Import Permit No
Phytosanitary Certificate Yes
Additional Declaration/Endorsement No
Protocol Market No
The department understands that Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned the import of lucerne [Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)] seed for sowing. The department recommends you contact your exporter for further information regarding import permit validity.

Consignments are to be free from pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.


Consignments are to be free from Dodder (Cuscuta spp). The exporter must provide a laboratory analysis certificate and present it to the Authorised Officer at time of inspection.

All consignments of lucerne seed must be uncoated - coated seed is prohibited. A certificate of proof that the seed is uncoated must be provided by the exporter to accompany the consignment and must be sighted by the Authorised Officer at time of inspection.

Non-GMO certification

If certification is required (refer to import permit/NPPO notification), the exporter is responsible for ensuring that the consignment is accompanied by a Certificate as to Condition attesting that the consignment has not been genetically modified.

If requested, a Certificate as to Condition (Grain - GX46/Horticulture - HX46) may be issued for the consignment if specifically supported from information supplied by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and where it is a government requirement of the importing country for non-GMO certification (refer to import permit/NPPO Notification).

The following text must be added to the additional declaration field when a GX46/HX46 template is added to the RFP:

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has advised the department that there has been no intentional release into the Australian environment of genetically modified product(s) listed on this certificate.

All consignments are to be treated with an approved fungicide at recommended manufacturers requirements.

The exporter is to provide evidence attesting to the treatment and present it to the Authorised Officer at the time of inspection.


Details of treatment to be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate in the treatment section.

Import permit dated 27 May 2012, communications with the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator 3 July 2023, advice from Agriculture Counsellor 22 July 2024.
06/08/2024 - Update to general requirements and reference text.
23/07/2024 - Updated general requirements to state Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has temporarily banned the import of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seed for sowing.
04/07/2023 - Updated general requirements to allow endorsement of freedom from all Medicago spp.
06/07/2022 - Updated general requirements to include new non-GMO requirements.
11/08/2021 - Updated general requirements to state only Medicago sativa consignments can obtain non-GMO certification.
07/06/2021 - Updated general requirements section for clarity.
Initial Uploaded: 29/07/2014
Reviewed Uploaded: 18/07/2026