Customs Clearance for Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
The customs clearance process for shipments is a crucial aspect that requires accuracy and deep knowledge of procedures and laws. In Saudi Arabia, where trade plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, customs clearance becomes a key stage to ensure the smooth movement of goods across borders efficiently and effectively. This process is not only limited to facilitating trade but also ensures that all parties comply with applicable laws and standards.
When shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to understand the documents, procedures, and related taxes required for customs clearance. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the customs clearance process from China to Saudi Arabia.

What is customs clearance?
Customs clearance refers to the process of going through customs to ensure that the goods meet Saudi Arabia’s import requirements. The customs clearance process usually includes submitting the necessary documents, paying duties and taxes, and ensuring that the goods meet Saudi Arabia’s import requirements. If customs clearance is not completed smoothly, the goods will not be delivered to the destination.
Main documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia
When shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, the required customs clearance documents include:
- Commercial invoice: A key document that details shipment information accurately, including the identity of the seller and buyer, description of the goods, total value, and payment terms.
- Packing List: This list specifies the details of the packing of goods, such as quantity, weight, and method of ordering, which helps speed up inspection procedures.
- Bill of Lading or Bill of Carriage: This document is evidence of the contract between the shipper and the carrier of the goods, confirming receipt of the shipment for carriage.
- Certificate of Origin: This certificate is necessary to determine the source of goods, and plays an important role in determining customs duties in accordance with various trade agreements.
- Health and Quality Certificates: For goods that require special standards, such as foodstuffs and chemicals, these certificates are crucial to prove their conformity to the required standards.
- Import License: For goods that require a special permit, an import license issued by the relevant authorities must be presented.
These documents, when submitted fully and accurately, ensure a smooth and barrier-free customs clearance process.
Shipping From China To Saudi Arabia Necessary Documents
Duties and Taxes in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia imposes duties and taxes on imported goods, including:
- Duties: Generally speaking, Saudi Arabia imposes a 5% duty on most goods. However, certain goods may have different duty rates, depending on the category of the goods.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Saudi Arabia imposes a 15% VAT on most imported goods, and the VAT is calculated on the total value after duties (including transportation costs).
- Excise Tax: Additional excise taxes may be imposed on certain items, such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
In order to accurately calculate duties and taxes, it is important to ensure that the customs code (HS code) and declared value of the goods are correct.
Product Type | HS Code | Customs Duty | Additional Taxes |
---|---|---|---|
Electronics | 85 | 5-20% | 15% VAT |
Mechanical equipment | 84 | 5-15% | 15% VAT |
Textiles | 61-63 | 12% | 15% VAT |
Toys | 95 | 10-20% | 15% VAT |
Furniture | 94 | 15% | 15% VAT |
Saudi Arabia customs clearance process
Saudi Arabia customs clearance process generally includes the following steps:
1. Submit the necessary documents:
These steps begin with the submission of the necessary documents, which is an essential step that requires the preparation of all the required documents and sending them to customs, whether through the customs clearance agent or through the customs electronic system.
2. Inspection of shipments:
After submitting the documents, comes the stage of checking shipments, where the customs authorities check the goods and compare them with the information provided in the documents to ensure that they comply with the standards and laws in force in the Kingdom. This measure is a vital step to verify security and safety and prevent the entry of illegal goods.
3. Customs Duty Valuation:
Customs duties incurred on the shipment are assessed. These fees are determined based on multiple factors such as shipment value, type, and country of origin.
- Customs duties are determined based on the value of the shipment, its type, and the country of origin.
- These fees are assessed in accordance with Saudi customs laws and regulations.
4. Payment of Duties and Taxes:
After determining the duties, the importer or his agent must pay these fees and any additional taxes that may apply. This payment is usually made through the available payment channels provided by Saudi Customs.
5. Release of shipments:
Finally, once all documents are validated and complete and fees are paid, shipments are released. At this stage, the goods are ready for collection by the importer or his agent to be distributed or used according to the desired purpose.
Adhering to these steps accurately contributes to facilitating the clearance process and avoids the importer many potential complications.
How to ensure smooth customs clearance in Saudi Arabia?
To ensure smooth customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, we recommend taking the following steps:
Ensure documentation is accurate: Ensure that all required documents are complete, accurate, and match the contents of the goods.
Work with a customs clearance agent: You can choose a professional customs clearance agent who is familiar with Saudi Arabia’s customs regulations and can help you complete customs clearance more efficiently. Basenton can help you with customs clearance for goods shipped from China to Saudi Arabia.
Understand import restrictions: Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from import in Saudi Arabia, such as alcohol, gambling items, certain medicines, etc. Before shipping, you need to confirm whether there are import restrictions.
Pay duties and taxes in advance: To avoid delays, it is recommended to prepay duties and taxes before the goods arrive, especially when using DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service.
You are interested in: DDP Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
There are a variety of shipping options from China to Saudi Arabia, depending on the type of goods, delivery time, and budget:
- Sea freight: For bulk goods, sea freight is usually the most economical option. Sea freight usually takes 20-30 days, depending on the distance between the Chinese port and the Saudi port.
- Air freight: Air freight is a faster mode of transportation, usually taking 5-7 days, but the cost is usually higher than sea freight.


Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia
Shipping Method | Shipping From China to Saudi Arabia (Cost) |
---|---|
Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,550 for a 20ft container |
Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,350 for a 40ft container |
Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 80 per cubic meters (m3) |
Air Freight | Approx. USD 550 for 100kg |
Door to Door Shipping | Approx. USD 5 to 12 per kgs or approx. USD 100 – 200 per m3 |
DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 6 to 15 per kgs |
DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 100 to 200 per cbm (m3) |
Express Shipping | Approx. USD 16.5 per Kgs |
You may also be interested in:
Why choose Basenton Logistics for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia?
Basenton Logistics provides reliable logistics solutions from China to Saudi Arabia, including customs clearance services. Our experienced team can help you complete customs clearance procedures smoothly, ensure compliance with all Saudi Arabia regulations, and help the goods be delivered smoothly.
If you need help with transportation or customs clearance services from China to Saudi Arabia, please contact us, Basenton Logistics will provide you with customized solutions!