How to quickly handle international customs clearance in Saudi Arabia
To handle international customs clearance in Saudi Arabia more smoothly and safely, you need to pay attention to the following points:
1. Understand Saudi customs regulations and requirements
Product label: All products made in China must be attached with a clear and non-removable "Made in China" label on the product itself or on the independent packaging. Textiles, bags, leather, etc. must be sewn with a wash mark, and watches must be silk-screened with "made in china" (non-removable).
Regulated products: Merchants importing regulated products must register their products in the Saber system and obtain a conformity certificate (PCoC and SC) after passing the audit before the products can be successfully cleared. Saber certification is a product conformity certification program launched by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization SASO to ensure that imported products sold in the Saudi market meet local safety, performance and environmental protection requirements.
Electrical products: Must comply with SASO's IECEE Saudi standards, weak current products must provide a CB certificate, and must be renewed every year.
2. Prepare necessary customs clearance documents
Bill of lading or shipping receipt: Display the correct consignee information.
Commercial invoice: a verified original invoice, especially when the value of the goods is equal to or higher than a certain amount (such as $13,000).
Packing list: a detailed list of the goods' box data to ensure the authenticity of the data.
Certificate of origin: proves the origin of the goods. For goods without the origin indicated, Saudi Customs will force them to be returned to the port of departure.
SASO certification or Saber registration certificate: may be required depending on the type of product.
3. Choose the right logistics method and transportation insurance
Logistics method: choose the right logistics method according to the type, quantity, value and urgency of the goods, such as air, sea or land transportation. For high-value goods, it is recommended to purchase transportation insurance.
Transportation insurance: to deal with possible losses or damages and ensure the safety of goods.
4. Comply with tax payment regulations
Tariffs and value-added tax: the tariff amount is determined according to the category, origin and declared value of the goods. The value-added tax is generally 5% of the total amount of imported goods.
Customs service fee: understand and comply with the service fee rules of Saudi Customs, such as the import service fee has been reduced to 0.15% of the value of the goods, and there is a fee cap and minimum fee.
5. Pay attention to customs inspection and detention regulations
Customs inspection: Imported goods need to be inspected by customs, including weight, quantity and quality.
Detention period: Saudi customs does not charge storage fees, and the maximum detention period for goods is 14 days (unless it involves concealment or smuggling).
Customs clearance documents: Any goods that cannot provide customs clearance documents as required will be returned to the place of shipment.
Violation penalties: Violation of regulations may result in high fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 riyals; in serious cases, there may be risks of multiple fines and confiscation of goods.
In summary, in order to handle international customs clearance in Saudi Arabia more smoothly and safely, it is necessary to fully understand the regulations and requirements of Saudi customs, prepare necessary customs clearance documents, choose appropriate logistics methods and transportation insurance, comply with tax payment regulations, and pay attention to customs inspection and detention regulations.
