Exporting to

SAUDI ARABIA

Import Regulations for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

There exists strict governmental regulation regarding the importation of certain types of goods into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Should these items be found in a household goods or personal effects shipment, it will severely delay clearance at customs, subject the goods to confiscation, and possible fines or penalties.

In order to expedite a personal effects shipment entering Saudi Arabia, it is important the following items are NOT included in the shipment: 

All food stuffs, Christmas trees and decorations, all types of communication equipment or high wave radios, all types of statues, binoculars or telescopic equipment, stuffed animals, pornographic literature or any materials which contain sexual reference;  this includes items such as fashion magazines, which show women wearing undergarments or swimsuits, alcoholic beverages including kits or books relating to the manufacturing of such drinks, any type of medicine, military uniforms, all weapons or firearms, religious items.

The following articles are subject to censorship by customs officials:

Phonograph records, video tapes, exposed film of any type, all types of printed material.  In addition, all suitcases, tool boxes, etc., which are locked must have keys available in order to allow inspection by the customs officials.

Removal Goods

Documents Required:  Original B/L or AWB to be consigned to Consignee’s full address and phone number,  Certificate of Insurance (if applicable), letter of authorization, Copy of Passport and Resident permit.

Customs Regulations:  Valued over SR 10.000 (about US$ 3.00) all articles new and used subject to customs duties, assessed on their CIF value.  Electrical appliances 12%, Audio Video 12%, Carpets 12% and Furniture 20%.  To mention “all similar items manufactured in Saudi Arabia” subject to a customs duty of 20%.  Books are exempt from duty.   If no receipts or invoices can be produced, Customs Authorities will valuate these locally.  Letter of Authorization, passport copy, and residence permit can be provided at destination.  Customs Authorities require a detailed packing list on all owner packed cartons etc. (PBO).  Failure to provide this list will result in delays and extra costs at destination.

Confiscated:  All games of chance, weapons and firearms (real or ornamental) including guns, ammunition, fireworks, spears,(…if imported, owner will be subject to investigation, fined and possibly  imprisoned).  Military uniforms or equipment of any kind, alcoholic beverages including food that contain vanilla extract, cooking wines, wine making kits or any other preparation of alcoholic beverages of such drinks, any kinds of narcotics, any kinds of medicines, any type of radio transmitter or communications equipment (including receivers VHP, Marine or Police bands), statues, figurines, carving or objects of the human or animal form, pornographic material or any foodstuffs.

Subject to Censorship:  Phonograph records, and tape recordings, exposed film, including prints, slides, movies and video cartridges, books, magazines, periodicals and other printed matter.  If such articles are in Personal Effects and Household goods shipment, it is very likely that Customs will remove them for censorship.  To reduce the time required to clear such shipments, keep these articles separate and have them packed in clearly marked boxes.  A secondary delivery is made for these items when censorship is completed.

Please note: a penalty will the charged to the customer for VCR tapes and books confiscated after censorship. ($135 each for VCR tape and $14 each for books)

IMPORTANT:  SAUDI CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES REGULARLY MODIFY THEIR RULES.  ALL SHIPMENTS COMING INTO SAUDI ARABIA ARE SUBJECT TO STRICT INSPECTIONS

Any information above is to be used a guide only and is subject to change with or without notice.  We strongly recommend you contact the applicable authorities directly.  (January 2004)