Export Documentation

Export Documentation for Saudi Arabia: Required Documents

Documents for shipping to or from Saudi Arabia: core documents, certificates, restricted goods, and customs procedures.

Country
Saudi Arabia
Customs authority
Saudi Customs (ZATCA)
Trading bloc
GCC
Currency
SAR
Estimated clearance
2-5 days typical

Commercial Registration (CR) required

VAT (15%) on imports

SASO/SABER certification for many products

Halal certification mandatory for food

Core documents

  • Commercial Invoice (required): Arabic translation may be required
  • Packing List (required): Detailed contents
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (required): Transport document
  • Certificate of Origin (required): Chamber certified
  • SABER Certificate (required): Product conformity certificate

Additional documents

  • Halal Certificate: For food/meat Mandatory for meat products
  • SFDA License: For food, drugs, cosmetics

Special certificates

  • SABER/SALEEM: applies to Regulated products, issued by SASO-accredited bodies.
  • Halal Certification: applies to Food products, issued by Approved bodies.
  • SFDA Registration: applies to Food, drugs, cosmetics, issued by SFDA.

Customs procedures

  • FASAH electronic system
  • Pre-shipment SABER compliance
  • Chamber legalization

Restricted goods

  • Pork products
  • Alcohol
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Certain publications

Prohibited goods

  • Alcohol
  • Pork
  • Narcotics
  • Weapons
  • Non-Islamic religious items

Tips

  • SABER certificate required before shipping
  • Halal is strictly enforced
  • Vision 2030 is modernizing customs

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Frequently asked questions

What is SABER?

SABER is Saudi's electronic conformity assessment system - products need certificates before shipping.

Is Halal certification required?

Yes for all meat products and food containing animal derivatives. Strictly enforced.