Clearing goods through Saudi Arabian Customs involves a well-defined process regulated by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). Whether you are importing commercial goods, personal shipments, or raw materials, strict adherence to Saudi laws, documentation standards, and digital platforms is essential. Below is a comprehensive guide to the key requirements that ensure a smooth and compliant customs clearance process.
1. Customs Declaration via FASAH
The first step in the clearance process is submitting a customs declaration through FASAH, Saudi Arabia’s National Single Window for trade. All documents must be uploaded and declarations made prior to the arrival of goods.
Required Information:
HS Code (12-digit tariff code)
CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
Detailed description of goods
Point of origin and destination
Mode of transport (air, sea, land)
Filing in advance (at least 24 hours before arrival) is mandatory and delays may result in penalties or customs holds.
2. Essential Documentation
To successfully clear goods, importers must submit the following key documents:
Commercial Invoice – Must include the supplier’s name, value, currency, item description, and country of origin.
Packing List – Details quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill – Proof of shipment and transport route.
Certificate of Origin – Endorsed by the exporting country’s chamber of commerce. For GCC origin goods, a unified GCC certificate is accepted.
Import License – Required for controlled items such as electronics, food, medical equipment, and chemicals.
Product Conformity Certificates (SABER/SASO) – Mandatory for regulated goods.
E-Invoice – Issued and submitted via ZATCA’s FATOORA system for VAT compliance.
3. Registration on Digital Platforms
Saudi Arabia mandates digital interaction for most customs-related processes:
A. FASAH Portal
Used for:
Import/export declarations
Document submissions
Payment of duties and fees
Tracking shipments
B. SABER Platform (for regulated products)
Used for:
Product registration
Obtaining the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
Ensuring compliance with Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) requirements
Without SABER certification, regulated goods cannot be cleared under any circumstances.
4. Customs Duties, VAT, and Service Fees
Importers must pay:
Customs duties – Vary from 0% to 20% depending on the product’s HS Code.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) – 15% applied to most goods.
Service fees – Typically 0.15% of the CIF value, with minimum and maximum thresholds:
Minimum: SAR 15
Maximum: SAR 500
Duty-exempt categories (e.g., GCC-origin goods, renewable energy components) still require documentation and fee calculation.
5. Risk Assessment and Inspection Channels
Saudi Arabia’s customs uses AI-driven risk management tools to classify shipments:
Green Channel – Auto-cleared with no inspection
Yellow Channel – Document check only
Red Channel – Physical inspection required
Classification depends on factors like product type, importer history, country of origin, and declared values.
6. Sector-Specific Approvals
Some goods require clearance from additional regulatory bodies:
SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) – For food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices
Ministry of Interior or Ministry of Industry – For restricted or sensitive items
Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) – For telecommunications and IT equipment
Approvals must be secured before submitting the customs declaration.
7. Common Compliance Issues to Avoid
Incorrect HS Code classification – Leads to miscalculated duties and delays
Missing SABER certificates – Results in shipment rejection
Late document submission – Can incur fines up to SAR 10,000
Invoice mismatches – Discrepancies between invoice and declaration can trigger customs holds
Using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended, especially for first-time or complex shipments.
8. Penalties and Enforcement
Non-compliance may lead to:
Shipment confiscation
Monetary fines
Delays in clearance
Blacklisting of importers
ZATCA allows for voluntary disclosure of errors, which can reduce or eliminate penalties if done before shipment inspection.
9. Tips for a Smooth Clearance Process
Register on FASAH and SABER early.
Verify all HS Codes before shipping.
Ensure documentation matches invoice and shipment content.
Work with an experienced customs broker.
Monitor FASAH tracking for inspection flags (green, yellow, red).
Keep all certificates current and aligned with the shipment batch.
Conclusion
Clearing goods through Saudi Arabia Customs requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and digital readiness. With the use of platforms like FASAH and SABER, and a strong focus on compliance, the Saudi customs system is both modern and tightly regulated. By meeting these requirements, importers can benefit from faster clearances, reduced costs, and smoother trade operations within the Kingdom.
