Saudi customs clearance guides for importers and exporters
Practical articles on customs procedures in Saudi Arabia: import and export steps, documents, customs duty and VAT, SABER and conformity certificates, and tariff classification.
Saudi import customs clearance via FASAH: step by step
Import customs clearance in Saudi Arabia starts with registering the importer on the FASAH platform, then filing the customs declaration before the shipment arrives, paying duties and VAT, inspection if selected, and release and container exit. The importer or an authorized customs broker handles it.
Read the guide › Documents · 8 min readRequired documents for import and export in Saudi Arabia
Saudi imports need the commercial invoice and bill of lading, plus a certificate of origin when needed, a packing list for multiple items, and product-specific SABER or SFDA certificates. Exports need the invoice, bill of lading, manifest and any origin certificate the importing country requires.
Read the guide › Duties & taxes · 8 min readSaudi customs duty and VAT on imports: how to calculate
Saudi customs duty is charged on the CIF customs value (goods, freight and insurance to the place of import) at the tariff line's rate. VAT at 15% applies to that value plus duty, excise tax and other charges. The customs declaration sets the actual amounts.
Read the guide › Certificates · 7 min readSABER certificate and shipment certificate: how to get them
SABER is an online platform supervised by SASO. The product certificate covers the product and is issued by a SASO-accepted conformity assessment body. The shipment certificate covers each shipment and, since 1 October 2025, must be issued before the customs declaration for all imported products.
Read the guide › Export · 7 min readSaudi export customs clearance: steps and documents
Exporting from Saudi Arabia starts with FASAH registration (commercial registration or ID). An authorized customs broker files the export declaration with the invoice and manifest, and a certificate of origin is issued if required. VAT is zero-rated if proof-of-exit documents are held within 90 days.
Read the guide › Import · 8 min readHS code classification: how to choose the right tariff line
Customs classification identifies the tariff line for your goods in the Integrated Customs Tariff, built on the six-digit international Harmonized System (HS) and applied at 12 digits. The line sets the duty and requirements and is chosen using the six interpretation rules and product documents.
Read the guide › Tips · 8 min readShipment delays at Saudi ports: how to avoid storage fees
Shipments at Saudi ports are usually delayed by missing or mismatched documents, an incomplete SABER shipment certificate, a wrong HS code or value, or unpaid charges. Avoid storage fees by filing the declaration early and confirming free time with your customs broker and shipping line.
Read the guide › Duties & taxes · 8 min readVAT on imports in Saudi Arabia: registration and recovery
VAT on imports in Saudi Arabia is 15% of the customs value plus duties, paid before release. A registered importer recovers it as input tax in its VAT return using the customs declaration. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed SAR 375,000 in 12 months.
Read the guide ›