Before your shipment arrives
Have your commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin ready, confirm the HS code, and make sure any required conformity documents — including the SCoC for regulated goods — are valid. Saudi customs supports pre-arrival declarations, so preparing documents early speeds up clearance.
Customs Clearance Flow
A typical import moves through these stages. The conformity check is where compliance shipments succeed or stall — a valid certificate keeps the goods moving.
Shipment booked
Carrier and route confirmed.
Documents prepared
Invoice, packing list, COO, BL/AWB.
Customs declaration
Submitted, ideally pre-arrival.
Duty & VAT assessed
Based on HS code and value.
Inspection if selected
Physical or documentary check.
Release
Goods cleared for delivery.
Customs Documents
The documents Saudi customs expects, who prepares each, when it is required and the issue that most often trips it up.
| Document | Who prepares it | When required | Common issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Exporter | Every shipment | Value or description mismatch |
| Packing list | Exporter | Every shipment | Quantities don't match invoice |
| Bill of lading / AWB | Carrier | Every shipment | Consignee details incorrect |
| Certificate of origin | Exporter / authority | Every shipment | Missing or not attested |
| SCoC | Shipment process | Regulated & most goods | Not obtained before dispatch |
| PCoC reference | Certification process | Regulated products | Expired or wrong model |
| Authority permit | Competent authority | Specific categories | Overlooked for the product type |
Customs Duty & Tax
Duty and tax depend on how your goods are classified. Rather than rely on a fixed table, always verify the current rate for your specific HS code.
- Duty depends on the HS code and product type
- Taxes and duties can differ by classification
- Value, freight and insurance can affect the assessed base
- Importers should verify the current tariff before shipping
Need to identify the correct HS code?
The right classification determines both your duty and your SABER requirements. We confirm it for you.
Why Shipments Get Delayed
Almost every held shipment comes back to one of these. Send us your HS code and product details before dispatch and we pre-check them.
Incorrect HS code
Wrong duty and unexpected document requirements.
Invoice ≠ certificate
Details on the invoice differ from the conformity certificate.
Missing COO
Certificate of origin absent or not attested.
No conformity certificate
SCoC not obtained before the goods shipped.
Product / model mismatch
Goods differ from what the documents describe.
Permit missing
A required authority approval was overlooked.
Pre-check your shipment before dispatch
Send us your HS code and product details. We review them against Saudi requirements so nothing surprises you at customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the customs declaration before the shipment arrives?
Yes. Saudi customs supports pre-arrival declarations, and preparing your documents early is part of faster clearance. Having the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any conformity certificates ready before arrival avoids storage and demurrage costs.
How is customs duty calculated in Saudi Arabia?
Duty is driven by the HS classification of the goods and their value; taxes may also apply. Because rates differ by classification, you should verify the current tariff for your exact HS code before shipping. Saudi authorities provide an official calculator for imported goods.
What conformity document does customs check at clearance?
For most consumer goods, customs looks for a valid Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC), which for regulated products references a valid PCoC. If it is missing or expired, the shipment can be held. We make sure it is in place before dispatch.
My shipment is stuck at customs — can you help?
Often, yes. Many holds are document or conformity issues that can be resolved. Send us your HS code, product details and the reason given, and we will advise on the fastest route to release. Contact us with the details.