A Saudi buyer sources from China like any other buyer: find the supplier, check samples, pay a deposit and inspect before shipping. The Saudi part has one step that catches new importers. Consumer products need certificates on the Saber platform before the goods ship, and the factory must supply the test reports for them.
This guide covers the steps and papers. It does not print duty rates, because they depend on the tariff code of each product. For the steps before shipping, read how to source products from China.
Who can import
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) runs Saudi customs. ZATCA says the person who imports into the Kingdom must be licensed to carry out an import. The importer gives ZATCA an identity number, such as a commercial registration number, and the customs declaration shows the importer’s tax identification number.
ZATCA says to check the conditions for your product in the customs tariff, or to ask a customs broker.
The documents
ZATCA asks for these documents before import:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin. ZATCA says this is unnecessary when the country of origin is clearly established.
Some goods need more. ZATCA names an IECEE certificate, which is a test certificate for electrical products, and product registration with the authority that controls the goods.
The customs declaration
You file the declaration on Fasah, the Saudi customs platform. You can file it yourself or through a customs broker. ZATCA says to send the documents and complete the declaration at least 48 hours before the shipment arrives at the port of entry.
The declaration gives the tariff code, the country of origin, a description and the value in Saudi riyals. From this, ZATCA works out the customs duty, any excise tax and the VAT.
Duty and VAT
Customs duty depends on the tariff code. Ask your broker for the rate before you order.
VAT is 15%. ZATCA says it applies to all goods imported into the Kingdom, whatever the tariff code, and also to goods that are exempt from customs duty. A short list of exemptions exists. The VAT is worked out on the customs value plus excise tax, customs duties and other charges. You pay it to ZATCA with the duty at customs clearance.
A VAT-registered business can deduct the import VAT as input tax on its VAT return. ZATCA sets two conditions: the business must be the importer, and it must hold the customs documents that prove the import.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Customs value | SAR 10,000 |
| Duty at an assumed 5% | SAR 500 |
| VAT base (customs value plus duty) | SAR 10,500 |
| Import VAT at 15% | SAR 1,575 |
| Paid at clearance | SAR 2,075 |
Saber certificates
Saber is the online platform of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Importers use it for consumer products that they import for commercial purposes. It handles two certificates:
- Product conformity certificate. You register the product on Saber. An approved conformity assessment body reviews the documents and the certificate is then registered. Saber lists the fee as 500 riyals, without VAT.
- Shipment certificate. You request one for each consignment. Saber lists the fee as 350 riyals, without VAT.
Some products use an importer’s self-declaration on Saber in place of the conformity certificate. Your conformity assessment body tells you which route your product takes.
Ask the factory for test reports for the exact model before you pay a deposit. A report for a similar model does not cover yours. Do not assume a CE mark meets the Saudi rules. Our CE and UKCA guide covers the EU and UK side.
Before you order
- Check your licence
Confirm that your commercial registration lets you import your type of goods. Choose a customs broker and agree the fee.
- Classify the product
Agree the tariff code with your broker before you order. Ask for the duty rate and any conditions.
- Check Saber
Ask a conformity assessment body which certificates your product needs. Ask the factory for the test reports.
- Agree the label
Send the factory the label text, including your name and commercial registration number if the new rule applies.
- Work out landed cost
Add freight, duty, 15% VAT and fees to the factory price. Do it at three quantities.
- File early
Send the documents and file the Fasah declaration at least 48 hours before the shipment arrives.
How CFS helps
We find and check the factory, manage samples and production, collect the test reports and inspect before shipping. We arrange shipping from Shenzhen through our group business, ParcelFromChina. See product sourcing, quality control and shipping and consolidation. A Saudi customs broker files the declaration, and a conformity assessment body handles the Saber certificates.
Bottom line
A Saudi import needs a licensed importer, three documents and a Fasah declaration filed 48 hours before arrival. VAT is 15% on the customs value plus duty. Start the Saber certificates before the goods ship.
Checked against ZATCA and the Saber platform on 14 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. A Saudi customs broker confirms the rules for your shipment.
Questions we get asked
What documents do I need to import from China into Saudi Arabia?
ZATCA asks for a commercial invoice, a bill of lading and a certificate of origin before import. It says the certificate of origin is unnecessary when the country of origin is clearly established. Some goods also need an IECEE certificate or product registration with the authority that controls them.
How much VAT do I pay on imports into Saudi Arabia?
ZATCA says VAT at 15% applies to all goods imported into the Kingdom, including goods that are exempt from customs duty. The VAT is worked out on the customs value plus excise tax, customs duties and other charges. You pay it with the duty at customs clearance.
What is a Saber certificate?
Saber is the Saudi online platform for product conformity. An importer of consumer products for sale registers the products there, gets a product conformity certificate through an approved conformity assessment body, and then gets a shipment certificate for each consignment.
Can I reclaim the import VAT?
A VAT-registered business can deduct it as input tax if it is the importer and holds the customs documents that prove the import. ZATCA says a business that is not the importer cannot deduct the VAT on the import.