As of 6th October, a new fee has been introduced on all shipments to Saudi Arabia. Here’s all you need to know about the change.
What is happening to Saudi Arabian shipments in October?
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new fee to all cross-border shipments arriving in the country. This applies for all carriers as it is imposed by the customs department of Saudi Arabia.
The customs clearance processing fees will be charged at shipment level, with 0.15% of a shipment declared value with a minimum of 15 Saudi Riyals (SAR) and maximum of 500 Saudi Riyals (SAR).
What are the specific changes?
The updates on customs services fees include: • The elimination of all fees for exports, including customs declaration processing fees, x-ray inspection, laboratory sample processing and other applicable export fees. • The introduction of a new structure to calculate the import fees, by charging 0.15% of the value of imported goods, including insurance and shipping, with a minimum amount of SAR 15 and a maximum of SAR 500. A special cap of SAR 130 will be applicable to exempt shipments. • The limitation of the fees for low value individual shipments via online stores (up to SAR 1,000) to SAR 15.
The change began to take effect from 6th October 2024.
Why is this change happening now?
Saudi Arabia has taken this step to enhance its trade operations, stating that the new customs fee structure aims to support businesses and streamline processes. Essentially, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) will remove all fees for customs services related to exports and reduce import service fees. The removal of export fees aims to support exporters and boost the competitiveness of Saudi exports, especially benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The new import fees system is designed to reduce costs, ensure predictability, and standardise fee calculation across all ports. This initiative also aligns with Saudi’s Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.
How will the changes to Saudi’s import customs fees affect my e-commerce business?
If you are delivering goods regularly to Saudi Arabia, you should familiarise yourself with the new fee rules to facilitate compliance and assess the impact to your future delivery costs.
How can I keep on top of global delivery changes like this and ensure that my parcels arrive on time, and within budget?
SAMOS can help you stay ahead of industry changes. We help to demystify the complex rules and regulations of global delivery systems. We handle everything, from import duties to clearance, to give you peace of mind and your customer a consistently great shopping experience. And we ensure that both you and your customer know what you will be charged upfront.
No surprises. Just simple, transparent and efficient deliveries, every time.
If you’d like to know more about the changes to Saudi Arabia’s import customs fees, or you need help with any other delivery challenge, get in touch with SAMOS.
*This article was written to highlight current changes in global delivery logistics. For a more in depth understanding of the situation please visit: www.zatca.gov.sa/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news_1282.aspx
