Exporting from Saudi Arabia: how it works
Exporting from Saudi Arabia mirrors importing, with friendlier economics: an export declaration in FASAH, a Saudi certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce, and zero-rated VAT — exports charge 0% VAT while you still recover input VAT. No export duty applies to normal goods. Government support runs through Saudi Exports (promotion) and Saudi EXIM Bank (finance and credit insurance), both built to push non-oil exports under Vision 2030.
The export process step by step
- 1. CR including export activity, FASAH registration
- 2. Buyer agreement: Incoterm, payment security (LC or credit insurance for new markets)
- 3. Saudi certificate of origin from the Chamber; destination-specific certificates if the buyer's country requires them (their "SABER equivalents")
- 4. Export declaration in FASAH; some categories (scrap metals, certain foodstuffs, subsidised goods) face permits or restrictions
- 5. Freight out of Jeddah, Dammam, or by road across the GCC
What does the exporter gain on VAT?
Exports are zero-rated: you invoice the foreign buyer at 0% VAT but keep deducting the 15% input VAT on your Saudi costs — for consistent exporters this produces recurring VAT refund positions worth real cash flow. The condition is proof of export: keep the FASAH export declaration and transport documents tied to each invoice, because refunds are audited against exactly that file.
Where Saudi exporters stumble
Destination-country conformity (each market has its own SABER), origin documentation for preferential access (GCC, Arab League agreements), and payment risk on open-account terms. Saudi EXIM's export credit insurance covers buyer default for eligible flows — cheaper than the bad debt. Sanad Global handles the logistics half: export clearance, freight to the buyer's port, and document sets banks accept under LCs.
Related guides
- Importing furniture to Saudi Arabia
- Importing cosmetics to Saudi Arabia
- Importing electronics to Saudi Arabia
- Importing auto parts to Saudi Arabia
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Frequently asked questions
Is there export duty in Saudi Arabia?
No duty on normal commercial exports; a limited list (certain scrap, subsidised and strategic goods) is restricted or needs permits.
Do exports pay VAT?
Exports are zero-rated — 0% VAT on the sale with full input-VAT recovery, documented by the export declaration and transport papers.
What documents does an export shipment need?
Commercial invoice, packing list, FASAH export declaration, Saudi certificate of origin, transport document (B/L or AWB), plus any certificates the destination country requires.
Can you handle my exports as well as imports?
Yes — Sanad Global runs export clearance, freight and documentation from any Saudi city to GCC, Asian, African and European destinations.
Get a clearance cost estimate
Leave your number. A licensed broker replies within 30 minutes during working hours (Sun–Thu, 9:00–18:00 KSA).