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FREE DOWNLOADSaudi Import ChecklistEvery check before, during and after shipping into the Kingdom, on one page: SABER, SFDA, documents, FASAH, duty and delivery.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS
Six steps from supplier to your warehouse.
01
Classify the HS codeIdentify the 12-digit Saudi tariff code. It sets the duty rate and which approvals apply.02
Get approvalsObtain SABER certificates (PCoC, then SCoC per shipment) and any SFDA or MEWA permits before shipping.03
Prepare documentsCommercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading or air waybill, all matching.04
File on FASAHThe declaration is submitted through FASAH before or on arrival. Since Oct 2025 the SCoC must exist first.05
Pay duty and VATZATCA assesses duty on CIF value (most goods 5%) and 15% VAT on CIF plus duty.06
Inspect, release, deliverCustoms may inspect; once released the cargo moves to your warehouse. Typically 3–7 working days.THE SAUDI TRADE ECOSYSTEM
Every authority your shipment touches, connected through ShipVerge.
Select an authority to see its role, how ShipVerge works with it on your behalf, and the official platform.
Customs & tax
ZATCA
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
ROLESets customs duty and VAT, runs Saudi Customs and the integrated tariff.
HOW SHIPVERGE HELPSWe calculate duty and 15% VAT upfront and pay them on your behalf.
OFFICIAL PLATFORMS
The authorities behind every Saudi shipment.
Direct links to the official government platforms. ShipVerge is not affiliated with these authorities.
Visit ↗
ZATCAهيئة الزكاة والضريبة والجماركCustoms duty, VAT, the Saudi customs tariff and importer registration.Visit ↗
FASAHمنصة فسحThe national single window for customs declarations, permits and port services.Visit ↗
SABERمنصة سابرProduct (PCoC) and shipment (SCoC) conformity certificates for regulated goods.Visit ↗
SASOالهيئة السعودية للمواصفات والمقاييس والجودةSaudi technical regulations and standards behind SABER.Visit ↗
SFDAالهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواءRegistration and release permits for food, cosmetics, medical devices and pharma.Visit ↗
MEWAوزارة البيئة والمياه والزراعةPhytosanitary and veterinary clearance for plants, seeds, produce and animal products.Visit ↗
Transport General Authorityالهيئة العامة للنقلLicensing of freight brokers and land transport operators.Visit ↗
Mawaniالهيئة العامة للموانئSaudi Ports Authority: Jeddah, King Abdullah, Dammam and other ports.Visit ↗
Ministry of Commerceوزارة التجارةCommercial registration and verification of Saudi companies.Visit ↗
SDAIAسداياRegulator for the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL).Visit ↗
Saudi Exportsهيئة تنمية الصادرات السعوديةSupport and market access for Saudi exporters.Visit ↗
Monsha'atالهيئة العامة للمنشآت الصغيرة والمتوسطةProgrammes and support for Saudi SMEs.IMPORT CHECKLISTBefore your supplier ships
Importer registered with ZATCA and VAT number active
HS code confirmed and duty rate known
SABER PCoC in place and SCoC requested for this shipment
SFDA or MEWA permits where the product needs them
Commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin matching exactly
Incoterm agreed (FOB recommended) and freight booked
Cargo insurance arranged for the full value
Full documents checklist →EXPORT CHECKLISTShipping out of the Kingdom
Commercial invoice and packing list
Saudi certificate of origin from the chamber of commerce
Export declaration filed through FASAH
Destination-country permits and certificates
GCC certificate of origin for duty-free GCC trade
Dangerous-goods documents where applicable
Export support available from Saudi Exports
Export services →HS CODE VERIFICATIONGet the code right before you ship.Look up your product in the Saudi integrated customs tariff on the ZATCA website, compare the description with your product and its material and use, and keep the supplier's code as a starting point only. A wrong HS code is the most common cause of clearance delays and penalties.