Saudi Customs Duty Calculator

Calculate customs duties, VAT, and total landed cost for importing goods into Saudi Arabia

Calculate Customs Duties

Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR
SAR
Shipping cost is added to customs value
SAR
Personal exemption: up to SAR 1,000

Customs Duty Rates Table

Category Duty Rate Notes
Electronics 5% Phones, computers, home appliances
Clothing & Textiles 12% Ready-made clothes, fabrics, textiles
Food Products 0-5% Some basic items are exempt
Cosmetics 6.5% Perfumes, makeup, care products
Automotive Parts 5-7% Varies by part type
Furniture 5% Home and office furniture
Books 0% Fully exempt
Toys 5% Toys and entertainment items
Sports Equipment 5% Fitness and sports gear
Medical Devices 0% Exempt - requires SFDA permit
Jewelry & Watches 5% Gold, silver, luxury watches
Tobacco Products 100% Excise tax also applies
Rates shown are approximate and subject to updates by ZATCA. 15% VAT applies on top of all categories.

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Customs Duties in Saudi Arabia

Customs duties in Saudi Arabia are essential financial instruments that regulate import activities and protect domestic industries. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) oversees the implementation of customs tariffs in accordance with the unified GCC Common Customs Law. Duty rates range from 0% for exempt goods such as books and medical devices, to 5% as the standard rate for most imported goods, and up to 100% on tobacco products.

Since Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2005, the Kingdom has committed to applying maximum tariff limits aligned with international agreements. Imports from GCC member states benefit from special exemptions under the GCC Customs Union agreement. Duties are calculated based on the CIF value, which includes the cost of goods, shipping, and insurance, with 15% VAT added on top to form the total landed cost. You can use our VAT Calculator to calculate the tax separately.

How to Calculate Customs Duties

Calculating customs duties in Saudi Arabia follows a clear and structured process. First, the customs value of the goods is determined, known as the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). This value serves as the basis for duty calculation. Second, the product's customs classification is identified using the Harmonized System (HS Code), which determines the applicable duty rate.

Once the value and rate are established, the following formula applies: Customs Duty = Customs Value (CIF) x Duty Rate. Then, 15% VAT is added to the total amount (Customs Value + Customs Duty). For example, if goods are valued at SAR 10,000 including shipping and insurance, with a 5% duty rate, the duty equals SAR 500, and VAT equals (10,000 + 500) x 15% = SAR 1,575, making the total SAR 12,075. You can also estimate shipping costs to determine the full landed cost.

Exemptions and Duty-Free Goods

Saudi Arabia grants customs duty exemptions for several categories of goods and imports to encourage trade and serve public interest. Goods exempt from customs duties include: books and educational/scientific publications at 0%, medical devices and supplies at 0% (subject to SFDA permit requirements), and certain basic food items such as rice, wheat, and sugar.

Personal Import Exemption Threshold

Personal shipments valued at SAR 1,000 or less (including shipping and insurance) are exempt from customs duties. However, 15% VAT remains applicable to all imports regardless of value. Imports from GCC member states also benefit from exemptions under the GCC Customs Union agreement, provided proof of GCC origin is established. Additionally, the Kingdom offers special exemptions for licensed industrial projects under the Vision 2030 program to encourage domestic investment and national manufacturing.

Tips for Personal Imports to Saudi Arabia

When shopping from international online stores or importing personal goods, several important tips can help reduce costs and speed up the customs clearance process. First, ensure your shipment value is documented with a clear official invoice that includes the product description and its actual value, as declaring a lower value is considered a customs violation.

Practical Cost-Saving Tips

  • Use the exemption threshold: Keep personal shipment values under SAR 1,000 to avoid customs duties
  • Choose the right shipping: Use our Shipping Cost Calculator to compare prices
  • Avoid prohibited goods: Verify the product is permitted for import under Saudi regulations
  • Prepare documentation: Keep invoices and proof of payment to facilitate clearance
  • Track your shipment: Use the FASAH platform to monitor customs clearance status
  • Calculate the full cost: Remember to add 15% VAT when budgeting your purchase

Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Customs

Saudi customs duty rates range from 0% to 100% depending on the product type. The standard rate is 5% for most goods, while tobacco products are charged at 100%. Some items like books, educational materials, and medical devices are fully exempt from customs duties.

Personal imports valued at SAR 1,000 or less (including shipping and insurance costs) are exempt from customs duties. However, 15% VAT still applies to all imports regardless of their value.

Customs duties are calculated based on the CIF value (Cost of goods + Insurance + Freight). The applicable duty rate for the product category is applied to this CIF value. Then, 15% VAT is added on the total amount including customs duties.

Yes, several categories are exempt from customs duties including: books and educational materials, medical devices and medicines, certain basic food items, and personal imports valued at SAR 1,000 or less.

Required documents include: original commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, packing list, and any special permits depending on the type of goods. Procedures can be completed electronically through the FASAH platform operated by ZATCA.

Yes, 15% VAT is applied to all imports including those exempt from customs duties. VAT is calculated on the total value including shipping costs, insurance, and any applicable customs duties.

Customs clearance typically takes 1 to 5 business days, depending on the type of goods and completeness of documentation. Personal shipments via express courier may be cleared within one day. Shipment status can be tracked through the FASAH electronic platform.