What an importer of record does
- Acts as the legal importer on the Saudi customs declaration
- Holds the commercial registration, VAT number and customs code needed for clearance
- Is responsible for compliance with Saudi import rules and approvals
- Pays duty and VAT on the import, usually recharged to the seller
When you need an importer of record
- You sell to a Saudi customer who will not act as the importer
- You deliver equipment for installation, projects or service contracts in the Kingdom
- You ship demo units, spare parts or replacement stock to your own team or partners
- You are entering the Saudi market before setting up a local company
How ShipVerge helps
- Reviews your products, HS codes and required approvals before anything ships
- Arranges a suitable importer-of-record solution through licensed partners, subject to product eligibility
- Books the freight from your origin and handles the FASAH declaration and release
- Delivers to the end customer or site anywhere in Saudi Arabia, with full tracking
Products that need extra attention
Regulated products, such as medical devices, medicines, telecom equipment, chemicals and food, need approvals from bodies like SFDA, CST or MEWA, often in the name of a local registered entity. We confirm what applies to your products and whether an importer-of-record route is possible before you commit.
Alternatives to an importer of record
| Option | How it works | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer as importer (DAP) | Your Saudi customer clears and pays duties | The buyer is registered and willing |
| DDP with buyer’s registration | You pay duties; the buyer’s details are used for clearance | You want a duties-paid offer for the buyer |
| Importer-of-record arrangement | A licensed party imports on your behalf | There is no suitable local importer |
| Local entity | You register your own company in Saudi Arabia | You have a long-term, high-volume presence |
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company import into Saudi Arabia without a local entity?
Not in its own name. A Saudi-registered importer must appear on the customs declaration: your buyer, a local partner or an importer-of-record provider. ShipVerge can arrange the most suitable option for your shipment.
What is the difference between DDP and importer of record?
DDP is a delivery term that says who pays duties and delivery costs. The importer of record is the legal entity named on the Saudi customs declaration. You often need both answers to sell into Saudi Arabia.
Can any product be imported through an importer of record?
No. Regulated products may need approvals in the name of a specific local entity. We check eligibility for your products before shipping.
How do I start?
Send your product list, HS codes if known, values and the delivery city. We will confirm the import route, approvals and full landed cost, usually within one working day.
Reviewed by Hammad Basravi, Operations Manager, Freight & Customs · Updated November 2026