Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on the import of poultry and eggs from Bangladesh and 39 other countries to protect public health and ensure food safety in its domestic market. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority confirmed that the restriction also includes partial bans on specific regions in 16 additional countries. The decision was announced on February 25, 2026.

According to reports, the list of restricted and partially restricted countries will be reviewed regularly based on global health updates and epidemiological data. Some of the bans have been in place since 2004, while others were added gradually following risk assessments and international reports. The authority identified the widespread outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza as the main reason for the restrictions.

The Saudi authority clarified that the temporary ban does not apply to heat-treated poultry and related products that meet approved health and safety standards. Such products must be accompanied by official certificates confirming that avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses have been fully destroyed during processing and that they originate from approved facilities in the exporting countries.