Customs clearance procedures in Saudi Arabia 2025
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to facilitate the import and export process and organize customs clearance procedures to achieve beneficiary satisfaction and encourage trade and commerce between countries.
The unified customs system of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has specified customs clearance procedures and their duration, customs duties, duty-free goods, and the method of inquiring about the customs declaration.
What is the customs clearance process?
Customs clearance is the process of documenting customs data for goods exported and imported in accordance with the customs procedures stipulated in the system.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority supervises customs clearance procedures, where goods are inspected and ensured that they comply with requirements within Saudi Arabia, and customs duties are calculated before they are delivered to the owner.
What are the customs clearance conditions?
Customs clearance requires that documents be correct and complete and that they comply with the standards adopted in Saudi Arabia.
The most important required documents:
- The commercial invoice shows the details of the goods.
- Bill of lading.
- Certificate of origin.
- Specific government certificates.
customs clearance procedures in Saudi Arabia 2025
What are the customs clearance procedures in Saudi Arabia?
Procedures begin from the time the goods arrive at the port or port, where the owner of the goods is informed of their arrival via the shipping company or carrier.
It is the owner’s responsibility to prepare the required papers and documents and ensure their accuracy to expedite receipt of his shipment and avoid fines.
Customs clearance steps
- Arrival of containers carrying goods to the port or port.
- The owner creates a customs declaration electronically through a clearing platform that includes comprehensive information about the imported goods.
- Submitting the documents and papers required by the owner.
- Documents are verified, reviewed and the data recorded in the customs declaration is matched with the existing goods.
- Inspection of shipment and goods by automated inspection devices and customs officials.
- Calculate customs duties and value added tax.
- Pay the fees and obtain a release permit to receive the goods.
What are the customs clearance fees in Saudi Arabia?
What are the customs clearance fees in Saudi Arabia?
Customs clearance fees in Saudi Arabia amount to 5% of the value of the goods. The owner of the goods can calculate the fees using the customs duties and taxes calculator imported from abroad via the application or the official website of the Authority.
When should customs duties be paid?
Fees are paid after the goods are inspected by the Authority’s employees and after the documents are reviewed and verified.
customs clearance procedures in Saudi Arabia 2025
What goods are exempt from customs?
- Goods arriving at diplomatic missions.
- Military supplies imported for the military and security sectors.
- Personal effects and gifts in the possession of travelers.
- Parcels and personal consignments subject to certain conditions.
- Charity supplies.
- Materials needed for relief.
- Supplies for people with special needs.
- Commercial samples whose value does not exceed 5,000 Saudi riyals.
- Returned goods.
How long does customs clearance take?
The customs clearance period ranges from 24 hours to five working days, depending on the type of goods, the completeness of the documents, and the accuracy of the information contained in the customs declaration.
What happens after customs clearance?
What happens after customs clearance?
The goods are released after completing customs clearance procedures and paying customs duties, then the customs declaration is printed and submitted to the Authority to receive the goods.
Inquiry about a customs declaration
The owner of the goods can inquire about the customs declaration in order to determine fees and complete customs clearance procedures through the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority website by following the following steps:
- Log in to the page “Inquire about a customs declaration“
- Select query type “Query statement information – By policy”
- Fill in the required fields.
- Click on the “Search” icon
customs clearance procedures in Saudi Arabia 2025
If you face challenges in customs clearance or paying taxes, obtaining legal advice from a lawyer specializing in tax and customs cases from the office of lawyer Abdul Majeed Al Rashid has made the road easier for you.
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