Import from China to Saudi Arabia: SABER & Customs Guide

To import Chinese goods into Saudi Arabia, you need three things in place: a Saudi company with a valid commercial registration, conformity certificates issued through the SABER platform, and customs documents filed on FASAH at least 48 hours before the shipment arrives. Customs duty and 15% VAT are then paid before release.

This guide is for anyone moving goods from China into the Saudi market: first-time importers, distributors abroad selling into Saudi Arabia, and Chinese factories preparing paperwork for a Saudi buyer. Last updated: October 2026.

Who can import into Saudi Arabia?

A registered Saudi business. SABER asks for the commercial registration number and its expiry date when the company account is created. If you are a foreign supplier, your Saudi buyer or importer of record handles this step, and your role is to supply accurate technical files.

What is SABER?

SABER is the online conformity platform supervised by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Every product must be registered there before customs will clear it. The route depends on whether the product falls under a technical regulation:

Product type	Step 1	Issued by	Step 2
Regulated (most electrical goods, for example)	Product Certificate of Conformity	SASO or an accepted conformity assessment body	Shipment Certificate of Conformity
Not regulated	Importer self-declaration	The importer, on the platform	Shipment Certificate of Conformity

The product certificate covers the product itself. A shipment certificate is issued for every consignment and only for products that already hold a valid certificate or declaration.

How is a shipment certificate issued?

Create a new shipment certificate request and add products by ID or Excel file.
Add the invoice with unit and value for each product.
Select models, quantities and the country of shipment.
Submit to the conformity body and wait for approval.
Pay the invoice. The fee depends on how many conformity bodies review the request.
Download the certificate.

Tip for suppliers: the factory holds the test reports and specifications. Prepare them before production ends, not after the goods are loaded.

Which customs documents are required?

According to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), importers submit:

Commercial invoice, matching the values and quantities in SABER.
Bill of lading from the carrier.
Certificate of origin, which is not required when the goods carry a permanent origin mark.
Product-specific certificates, such as an IECEE certificate where required, or registration with the relevant authority.

When should customs clearance start?

At least 48 hours before the shipment reaches the port. The customs declaration is created on FASAH, ZATCA's clearance platform, which also tracks the shipment and sends alerts. In practice, the SABER certificate, invoice and bill of lading should be ready while the cargo is still at sea.

How much are duties and taxes?

Customs duty rates differ by HS code and are amended from time to time, so check your product's exact rate in ZATCA's integrated customs tariff before quoting a landed cost. VAT of 15% applies on top of the duty.

Common mistakes

Paying the factory before confirming the product meets Saudi standards.
Invoice models or quantities that differ from the shipment certificate.
A wrong HS code, which changes the duty rate and requirements.
Starting SABER or FASAH only after the cargo has arrived.

FAQ

Do I need a new certificate for every shipment?

Yes, a shipment certificate is issued per consignment. The product certificate stays valid until it expires.

Is a certificate of origin mandatory?

Not when the goods carry a permanent origin mark, according to ZATCA.

Can a Chinese supplier apply on SABER?

The request is made from the Saudi importer's account. The supplier provides the technical documents and test reports.

Where do I check the duty rate?

In ZATCA's integrated customs tariff, by HS code, or through a licensed customs broker.

Plan your first shipment

EcoSail helps businesses worldwide source products from Chinese factories and ship them to their destination. Browse the EcoSail product portal to request a quote, or book a consultation to review your import plan before the first payment. For more detail, read how to calculate customs and taxes on imports from China and sea freight vs air freight from China.

This article is general guidance. Requirements and rates can change, so confirm with SABER and ZATCA before shipping.