🇸🇦 Import Customs & Duties: Saudi Arabia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$267
Packages under $267, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT was introduced in 2018 at 5% and raised to 15% in 2020.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 5-12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-15% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-15% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 6.5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-12% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $267 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Saudi Customs (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, ZATCA) manages imports through FASAH single window platform. SABER product conformity system required for regulated products. GCC Common Customs Law applies.
What to Actually Expect
Improving rapidly with Vision 2030 reforms. SABER system for product conformity. Alcohol, pork, religious materials strictly prohibited.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Commerce required. SABER/SALEEM certification for product conformity. SFDA approval for food and drugs. Strict prohibition on alcohol, pork products, and religious materials contradicting Islam.
Certificate of Origin
Required for most imports. Must be legalized by Saudi embassy in country of origin. GCC unified certificate of origin for intra-GCC trade. Saudi Chamber of Commerce issues certificates for exports.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Saudi Arabia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $12 | $77 | $88 |
| $1000 | $37 | $155 | $192 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Saudi Arabia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Saudi Arabia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Saudi Arabia is $267. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Saudi Arabia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Saudi Arabia is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT was introduced in 2018 at 5% and raised to 15% in 2020.
How long does customs clearance take in Saudi Arabia?
Typical customs clearance in Saudi Arabia takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Saudi Arabia?
To import into Saudi Arabia, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.