Saudi Arabia flag Saudi Arabia: Buying and Selling

International convention and customs procedures of Saudi Arabia

International Conventions
Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
International Economic Cooperation
Saudi Arabia is a member of the following international economic organisations: Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), ICC, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) G-20, G-77, IMF, Arab League, WTO, among others. For the full list of economic and other international organisations in which participates Saudi Arabia click here. International organisation membership of Saudi Arabia is also outlined here.
Non Tariff Barriers
The documentary regulation, required for the expedition of goods in Saudi Arabia necessitate the following documents - commercial invoice, certificate of origin, airway bill, certificate of assurance (if CIF sale), SASO compliance certificate when applicable. These documents should be stamped by the following organisations: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the exporter country, "bilateral" Chamber of Commerce, Consulate of Saudi Arabia from the exporter country.

Saudi Arabia forbids imports of certain items for religious or security reasons. It bans imports of alcohol and of non-medical drugs, and also most non-Islamic religious materials and other materials deemed offensive to Islamic principles. Weapons and electronic equipment are tightly controlled for security reasons. For meats, a sanitary certificate is required, and should be delivered by the veterinarian services of the exporter country, as well as a slaughter certificate according to the Islamic rites, which is delivered by the Competent Islamic Authority of the exporter country. These documents should be signed either by the "bilateral" Chamber of Commerce or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports
4.85%
Customs Classification
Saudi Arabia applies the Harmonised Customs System.
Import Procedures
The following is the list of documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia. The list subject to modification. Please visit the website of the Saudi Ministry of Commerce for future updates.

  • Commercial Invoice, indicating the country of origin, name of the carrier, brand and quantity of goods, and description of the goods including weight and value.
  • Certificate of origin, authenticated by a local chamber of commerce and translated into Arabic.
  • A bill of lading (or airway bill)
  • A steamship (or airline) company certificate, which is an Appended Declaration to Bill of Lading or airway bill) should be issued by the steamship (or airlines) company in at least one original
  • An insurance certificate (if goods are insured by the exporter)
  • Packing List

Saudi Arabian Standard Organizations (SASO) is the regulatory authority controls quality of goods imported into Saudi Arabia. The conformity certificate is required to ensure all imported goods conform with Saudi standards

For more information, please visit the website of the Saudi Customs Authority.

Importing Samples
Samples for display in shows/exhibitions are exempt from Saudi labelling and shelf life regulations, but are subject to inspection at ports of entry. Samples must contain a commercial invoice specifying that the product is not for sale and has no commercial value. Saudi Arabia will adopt soon the ATA (Temporary Admission) carnet
 

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

 
For Further Information
Saudi Arabia Department of Customs
Ministry of Commerce & Industry

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Latest Update: March 2024

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