The Ultimate Guide to Saudi Arabia Customs Clearance: Why Smart FCL Importers Don’t Always Choose DDP
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia has undergone massive digital transformation with the introduction of SABER and FASAH. While many importers ask for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services for convenience, this isn’t always the most cost-effective choice for Full Container Loads (FCL).
If you hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR) in Saudi Arabia, handling the import clearance with a local broker often saves significant costs compared to an all-inclusive DDP rate.
This guide clarifies the strict Saudi Customs (ZATCA) regulations, from labeling to final delivery, helping you avoid fines and port delays.
(Looking for shipping rates? Check our dedicated page: How to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia – Kisun Shipping)
Part 1: The “Golden Rules” of Product Compliance
Saudi Customs is notorious for strict inspections. A single labeling error can cause your container to be returned to China.
1. The “Made in China” Mandate
- Requirement: The country of origin “MADE IN CHINA” must be non-removably printed or engraved on both the product itself and the outer packaging.
- Risk: Stickers are often rejected. Do not list any other country names that could cause confusion.
2. Electrical Standards (SASO)
- Plugs: Must be the UK standard (Type G) 3-prong plug.
- Frequency: Saudi Arabia operates on 60Hz. Labels stating only “50Hz” will be rejected. You must label “60Hz” or “50/60Hz”.
3. Packaging & Palletization
- Pallets are Mandatory: Loose cartons (bulk cargo) are difficult to clear. Customs may impose fines for non-palletized goods.
- Wood Regulations:
- Solid Wood: Requires Fumigation Certificate + Commodity Inspection.
- Plywood/MDF: Recommended to avoid fumigation, but still requires inspection.
- Fragile Goods: As the importer, ensure your supplier uses robust inner protection. Insurance rarely covers damage due to poor packing.
4. Strictly Prohibited Items
Do not attempt to ship:
- Liquids, powders, gases, or pure batteries (without DG declaration).
- Items conflicting with Islamic beliefs (e.g., religious artifacts of other faiths).
- High-power built-in batteries (e.g., in e-scooters) without specific approvals.
- Counterfeit brands.
Part 2: The Digital Backbone: SABER and FASAH
To clear customs, your company needs to be set up digitally before the ship departs.
1. SABER System (The Certification Portal)
You cannot clear goods without a SABER account. The process is two-fold:
- Stage 1: PCoC (Product Certificate): Valid for 1 year. Proves the product meets SASO standards.
- Stage 2: SCoC (Shipment Certificate): Issued for each specific shipment. This is generated based on your Invoice and PCoC.
- Kisun Tip: We assist suppliers in uploading technical documents to SABER, but the importer must pay the SABER fees.
2. FASAH (The Authorization Portal)
FASAH (fasah.sa) is where you authorize a customs broker to act on your behalf.
- Recommendation: Authorize your broker for 6 months or 1 year to avoid repeating this step for every container.
Part 3: The Timeline of a Successful Shipment
Successful clearance is about timing. Here is the workflow we recommend at Kisun Shipping:
Phase I: 5-7 Days Before Shipment (Preparation)
- Verify Documents: Confirm the Packing List and Invoice are 100% accurate. No hidden items!
- Confirm HS Codes: Ensure the HS Code used for shipping matches the one in your SABER account to avoid duty discrepancies.
- Special Cargo: For forklifts or construction machinery, check if you need a “Customs Card” for registration.
Phase II: Within 3 Days of Departure (Documentation)
Your supplier or forwarder must provide:
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List (Note: Certificate of Origin is generally no longer required for China-origin goods if “Made in China” is clearly marked).
Phase III: 7-10 Days After Departure (Pre-Clearance)
Do not wait for the ship to arrive!
- Initiate SCoC: Generate the Shipment Certificate in SABER.
- Pre-Clearance: Send documents to your broker to open the file.
- Duty Payment: Once the customs bill is issued, pay it within 12 hours via your local Saudi bank account to prevent delays.
Part 4: Arrival, Inspection, and Delivery
Once the vessel docks at Jeddah, Dammam, or Riyadh Dry Port:
1. Customs Inspection
Standard procedure involves X-ray scanning or physical inspection.
- Free Time:
- Containers: Typically 3 days free storage at port.
- Bulk Cargo: 14 days.
- Speed is critical. Demurrage fees in Saudi ports are high.
2. Delivery to Your Warehouse
- Weight Limits:
- Small Container (20GP): Max 18 tons.
- Large Container (40HC): Max 24 tons.
- Overweight containers face heavy fines and drivers may refuse transport.
- Unloading: You have a 6-hour window to unload the container at your warehouse. Delays incur trucker waiting fees.
- Empty Return: The container must be returned to the shipping line’s depot. Ensure you have negotiated adequate “Free Detention” days (e.g., 14-21 days) with Kisun Shipping before booking.
Conclusion: Should You Do It Yourself?
For LCL (Less than Container Load) or small shipments, DDP is excellent because it simplifies the complex SABER and clearance process into a single fee.
However, for FCL (Full Container Load), if you have a company CR, handling clearance yourself (Port-to-Port) is often cheaper. You pay the actual customs duty and VAT directly to the government, avoiding the risk premium charged by third-party DDP providers.
Kisun Shipping specializes in both models. We can handle the freight from China and hand over the documents for you to clear, OR we can manage the entire door-to-door process if you prefer a hands-off experience.
Ready to ship to Saudi Arabia? Get a Quote Today or visit our Saudi Arabia Shipping Guide for more details.
China Logistics Expert
About the Author
Katherine Kang is a China-based logistics consultant with over 11 years of experience in international trade and freight forwarding. Specializing in helping SMEs import from China to the USA, Canada, and Europe, she focuses on compliant, cost-effective solutions to avoid delays, tariffs, and hidden fees. From anti-dumping guidance to CNY planning, Katherine has managed hundreds of shipments, saving clients 15-30% on average.
Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn or contact Kisun Shipping for a free import consultation.
