Importing Into 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
De Minimis Threshold
US$267
SAR 1,000
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Goods shipped to Saudi Arabia valued at or below SAR 1,000 may be exempt from customs duty. VAT (15%) applies to all imports regardless of value for registered businesses. For individuals receiving low-value packages, customs may apply a simplified tariff. E-commerce imports are growing and ZATCA monitors compliance.
As of: 2020-01-01
VAT / GST on Imports
15%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Import Declaration (via ZATCA/Bayan system) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 05 | Certificate of Origin |
| 06 | SFDA Notification or Approval (for food, drugs, cosmetics) |
| 07 | Halal Certificate (for food products from non-GCC countries) |
| 08 | Import Licence (for restricted goods) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Medicines and pharmaceuticals (SFDA approval required)
- ⚠Food and beverages (SFDA registration required; halal certification often needed)
- ⚠Firearms and weapons (Ministry of Interior permit required)
- ⚠Chemicals and hazardous materials
- ⚠Certain media, publications, and electronic content
- ⚠Gambling equipment
- ⚠Products from Israel (trade restrictions apply)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Alcohol and products containing alcohol
- ✗Pork products and non-halal foods
- ✗Drugs and narcotics
- ✗Obscene and pornographic materials
- ✗Material deemed contrary to Islamic principles
- ✗Gambling equipment
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Products from endangered species
Special Notes
- 01Saudi Arabia is governed by Islamic law (Sharia) which heavily influences what can be imported.
- 02VAT was raised to 15% in July 2020 (from 5%) due to economic pressures from COVID-19.
- 03Saudi Arabia is a GCC member; GCC Unified Customs Law applies.
- 04Saudi Vision 2030 has been liberalizing some import rules (cinemas, entertainment now allowed).
- 05SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) oversees food, drug, and cosmetic imports.
- 06Saudi Arabia enforces strict halal requirements on food imports.
- 07E-invoicing (FATOORAH) is mandatory for VAT-registered businesses.
Documented Import Rules
Vape / E-Cigarette
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Alcohol / Spirits
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
CBD Oil
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
CBD Oil is generally prohibited for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Cannabis Seeds
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Cannabis Seeds is generally prohibited for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade)
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Codeine (Medication)
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Codeine (Medication) is generally prohibited for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Adderall (Medication)
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Adderall (Medication) is generally prohibited for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
Tramadol (Medication)
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Tramadol (Medication) is generally prohibited for personal import into Saudi Arabia.
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