Saudi Arabia Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Customs duty in Saudi Arabia ranges from 0% to 15% depending on your item category, and only applies when your shipment's total value (including shipping and insurance) exceeds 1,000 SAR. You'll also owe 15% import VAT on the total amount including any duties assessed.

There is no VAT threshold for Saudi Arabia; the 15% import VAT applies to all shipments regardless of value. While personal shipments under 1,000 SAR are exempt from customs duty, VAT is still charged on the total value including shipping and insurance.

The import duty threshold for personal shipments to Saudi Arabia is 1,000 SAR. Your shipment is duty-free if the total value including shipping and insurance stays below this amount, though 15% VAT still applies to most imports regardless of value.

Yes, import VAT in Saudi Arabia includes shipping costs in its calculation. Your shipment's 15% VAT is charged on the combined value of goods, shipping, insurance, and any applicable customs duties.

The duty rate depends on the specific product category, with many common goods like electronics often at 0% while clothing and household items may face rates between 5% and 15%. You should check the specific classification of your items to estimate this cost accurately.

The 1,000 SAR duty-free threshold is calculated using the CIF value, which includes the item price plus shipping and insurance costs. It is not based solely on the purchase price of the goods.

Yes, express carriers usually charge a disbursement or advance payment fee between 20 SAR and 100 SAR for paying taxes to ZATCA on your behalf. A separate customs declaration fee of around 20–50 SAR may also apply.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) determines and collects all import taxes and duties. Your carrier will collect these fees from you upon delivery or before releasing your shipment.

You may be required to provide your Saudi National ID or Iqama number to the carrier to facilitate customs clearance. Ensure this information is available when your package approaches arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Certain items like electronics, cosmetics, and toys may require a Certificate of Conformity or registration on the SABER platform. While primarily for commercial imports, strict enforcement can occasionally affect personal shipments.