Sourcing and shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest import markets in the Middle East, and demand from construction, hospitality and retail keeps growing. Our Saudi clients include retailers, wholesalers, contractors, hotel and restaurant groups, and e-commerce sellers.

Most of the problems Saudi buyers bring us are about compliance. Goods arrive without the right certificates and sit at the port. Planning the SABER steps from the start avoids that.

Choose the port closest to where the goods are going. Jeddah suits the west of the country and Dammam the Eastern Province and Riyadh.

SABER is Saudi Arabia's online platform for product conformity. It works in two steps.

1. 1Product certificate. Regulated products need a product certificate of conformity, issued through SABER by an approved certification body, usually based on test reports. It's linked to the product and valid for a set period.
2. 2Shipment certificate. Every shipment, regulated or not, needs a shipment certificate through SABER before customs clearance. It covers that one consignment.

For products that aren't regulated, the importer usually self-declares them on SABER before requesting the shipment certificate. The rules have changed several times, so check the current requirements for your product's tariff code with a certification body or your customs broker.

Food, cosmetics and medical products are regulated separately by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which has its own registration process.

Saudi Arabia applies the GCC common customs tariff, so many goods pay 5% customs duty. Saudi Arabia has raised the rate on a number of products, though, and some pay considerably more. Check the rate for your product's tariff code with ZATCA, the customs and tax authority.

Import VAT is 15%, charged on the customs value plus duty. Our landed cost calculator helps you add it all up.

• Commercial invoice and packing list.
• Bill of lading or air waybill.
• Certificate of origin, often required to be attested.
• SABER shipment certificate, plus product certificates for regulated goods.
• SFDA approvals for food, cosmetics or medical products.

1. 1We find factories and check them before you pay a deposit.
2. 2We ask suppliers for the test reports your SABER product certificate will need, and collect samples for testing where needed.
3. 3We follow production and inspect the goods against the tested sample.
4. 4We arrange freight to Jeddah or Dammam with partner forwarders, timed with your SABER certificates.