Saudi Arabia SSIC Code 521012: Loading and unloading of goods

Saudi Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC 2026)
Classification Level: Activity | Official Code: 521012

Executive Summary & Classification Scope

SSIC code 521012 designates Loading and unloading of goods (خدمات شحن وتفريق السلع بصفة عامة) under the official Saudi Standard Industrial Classification (January 2025 / 2026 Edition, based on UN ISIC Rev. 4) administered by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

It serves as the mandatory regulatory benchmark for Commercial Registration (CR) with the Ministry of Commerce, MISA foreign investment licensing (allowing up to 100% foreign equity ownership), municipal permits on the Balady portal, and Nitaqat Saudization quota determinations by MHRSD.

Key Classification Facts

Parameter	Official Value
Saudi SSIC Code	`521012`
Official Title (EN)	Loading and unloading of goods
Official Title (AR)	خدمات شحن وتفريق السلع بصفة عامة
Classification Level	Activity
Section Category	Section H — Transportation and storage
Parent Entity Code	`5210` — storage
Supervisory Authority	Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
Licensing Entity	Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
Standard Custodian	General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)
Edition / Version	SSIC 2025 / 2026 Edition

Code	Title (EN)	Title (AR)	Details
`521011`	Operation of storage facilities for all types of goods except food	تشغيل مرافق التخزين لجميع أنواع البضائع باستثناء المواد الغذائية	View Code 521011 →
`521014`	Container handling services	خدمات مناولة الحاويات	View Code 521014 →
`521021`	Refrigerated food stores	مخازن المواد الغذائية المبردة	View Code 521021 →
`521022`	Animal food and feed stores	مخازن أغذية وأعلاف الحيوانات	View Code 521022 →
`521023`	Medical Devices warehouse activities	مخازن الأجهزة والمنتجات الطبية	View Code 521023 →
`521024`	cosmetics warehouse	مخازن مستحضرات التجميل	View Code 521024 →
`521025`	Pharmaceutical warehouse	مخازن المستحضرات الصيدلانية	View Code 521025 →
`521031`	Lubricant stores	مخازن زيوت التشحيم	View Code 521031 →
`521032`	Chemical stores	مخازن المواد الكيميائية	View Code 521032 →
`521033`	Hygiene stores	مخازن مواد النظافة	View Code 521033 →
`521034`	Tire stores	مخازن إطارات السيارات	View Code 521034 →
`521035`	Cardboard and plastic products stores	مخازن المنتجات الكرتونية والبلاستيكية	View Code 521035 →

Regulatory & Business Setup Use Cases in Saudi Arabia

Ministry of Commerce (MC): Required on your Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) to legally define the company’s business activities.
Ministry of Investment (MISA): Determines eligibility for 100% foreign-owned investment licenses and capital requirements. See our MISA Licensing Guide.
ZATCA Taxation & Zakat: Activity categorization for Corporate Income Tax (20%), Zakat (2.5%), and 15% VAT filing rules. See our ZATCA Tax Guide.
MHRSD / Qiwa (Nitaqat Quotas): Determines the required percentage of Saudi national employees. Check our Nitaqat Saudization Guide.
Balady Municipal Licensing: Establishes commercial shop, office, and warehouse zoning compliance.

Compliance & Regulatory Risk Assessment

Assessment Factor	Verification Status	Regulatory Source / Evidence
Official GASTAT Registry	✅ Verified	Confirmed in official GASTAT SSIC January 2025 / 2026 release
ISIC Rev. 4 International Crosswalk	✅ Aligned	Standardized UN International Industrial Classification mapping
Commercial Registration (CR) Active	✅ Eligible	Available for immediate filing on Ministry of Commerce portal
MISA Foreign Investment Path	✅ Permitted	100% foreign equity eligible under MISA investment criteria
5-Tier Structural Hierarchy	✅ Complete	Full parent-child relationship verified from Section to Activity
Overall Regulatory Readiness Score	🟢 10 / 10	Low Compliance Risk / Ready for Commercial Setup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Saudi SSIC code 521012 cover?

SSIC 521012 covers Loading and unloading of goods (خدمات شحن وتفريق السلع بصفة عامة) under Saudi Arabia’s official industrial classification system.

2. Which authority regulates activities under SSIC 521012?

Activities under this code fall under the supervision of Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.

3. Can international investors establish a business with code 521012?

Yes. In most sectors, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) permits 100% foreign equity ownership. Refer to our MISA Guide for full requirements.

4. How does SSIC 521012 affect my company’s Nitaqat rating?

MHRSD calculates your Saudization tier based on your primary SSIC activity registered on your Commercial Registration.

Official Source Attribution & Disclaimer

Primary Data Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) — National Classification for Economic Activities.

Commercial Portal: Ministry of Commerce (MC)

This page is an independent reference resource. Cross-verify critical licensing details on official government portals before filing commercial applications.