Saudi customs regulations are comprehensive and apply to all imports regardless of origin. This guide covers everything a UAE exporter needs to know before shipping to the Kingdom.
Standard rate: 5% of CIF (cost + insurance + freight) value. GCC-origin goods: 0%. Alcohol and tobacco: prohibited or heavily taxed. Luxury goods may attract higher duties. VAT is 15% on top of duty.
Alcohol, pork and pork products, drugs, weapons and ammunition, pornographic material, gambling equipment, Israeli-origin goods, and politically sensitive material are strictly prohibited.
Pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, and religious materials require pre-approval from the relevant Saudi ministry (SFDA, Ministry of Interior, etc.) before import.
Saudi Arabia uses the GCC Common Customs Law based on the Harmonised System (HS). Correct HS code classification determines the duty rate and whether SABER certification is needed.
1. Submit e-declaration on Nakheel. 2. Upload all required documents. 3. Pay duties and 15% VAT. 4. Await customs channel selection. 5. Green channel: immediate release. Yellow: document review. Red: physical inspection.
Green channel: same day. Yellow channel: 1–3 days. Red channel: 3–7 days depending on inspection complexity and queue at the port.
Our team at Cargo Service Dubai handles all the paperwork and coordination for you. Call +971 56 178 1810 or WhatsApp us anytime.