IOR Africa
IOR Africa

Importing to Saudi Arabia

IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in Saudi Arabia

Taxes: 15%

Duties: Up to 5%

Lead Time: 1 Week

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

  • Saudi Arabia bans weapons
  • alcohol
  • narcotics
  • pornography
  • distillery equipment
  • disallows used vehicles
  • re-treaded tires
  • second-hand goods
  • wireless equipment and radio-controlled aircraft need special approval
Documents Required

Documents Requirements for Saudi Arabia Customs:

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Air Waybill

  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

  • SABER Approval (mandatory Saudi conformity certification)

Common Challenges When Importing to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East, with rising demand for specialized technology and telecom hardware under Vision 2030. However, the import process into the Kingdom requires strict compliance with duties, VAT, and regulatory approvals such as SABER and Certificates of Conformity (CoC). Businesses must plan carefully to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s import laws and avoid costly delays or rejections.

1

Local Registration Requirements

All shipments must be imported under a Saudi-owned entity. Without proper registration, goods cannot be cleared through customs.

2

SABER Platform Compliance

For regulated products, including IT and telecom equipment, approvals through the SABER conformity system are mandatory. Missing certification leads to shipment rejection.

3

Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Many product categories require a CoC to prove compliance with Saudi standards. Obtaining this certificate adds processing time to the overall importing workflow.

4

HS Code Classification Risks

Incorrect HS code classification can result in rejections, penalties, or significant customs delays. Precision in documentation is critical.

How to Overcome These Challenges

By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:

Ensure compliance with Saudi Customs, the ZATCA tax and customs authority, and Saudi Arabia’s import laws.

Manage SABER approvals and Certificates of Conformity efficiently

Handle duties, VAT, and licensing end-to-end for predictable delivery

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