Importing cosmetics to Saudi Arabia: duty, certification and clearance
Customs duty on cosmetics imported into Saudi Arabia is typically 5%, with 15% VAT applied on CIF value plus duty. Certification requirement: SFDA notification for every product before import; ingredient lists and labels in Arabic are checked. Main supply origins are France, UAE, South Korea, the USA and Turkey. Sanad Global, a customs brokerage operating in Saudi Arabia, clears this category through FASAH and prepares the certificates before shipment.
What does it cost to import cosmetics?
Three components: duty at typically 5%, VAT at 15% of CIF value plus duty, and clearance costs (port handling, broker fee, storage after the free period). Freight comes on top and depends on origin: sea freight from Asia takes 12–30 days, from Europe 12–25 days, road freight from the UAE 1–3 days.
The HS code decides everything in this category: two similar products can carry different rates. Sanad Global verifies classification against ZATCA tariff schedules before the supplier is paid, and issues a fixed written landed-cost quote within 30 minutes during working hours.
Certification before shipping
Sfda notification for every product before import; ingredient lists and labels in arabic are checked.
The rule that saves money: certify while the factory produces. Certification prepared in parallel with production adds zero days to the timeline; certification started after arrival means storage fees and, in the worst case, re-export. Products with unlisted ingredients or missing Arabic labelling are rejected at inspection even with valid notifications; relabelling at the port is slow and expensive.
How Sanad Global handles this category
Sanad Global manages the full chain for cosmetics: supplier document checks in the origin country, SABER/SFDA certification, sea, air or road freight, FASAH customs declaration under power of attorney, duty payment and delivery to the warehouse. One contract, one point of contact, and a business club of importers working with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Related guides
- Importing furniture to Saudi Arabia
- Importing electronics to Saudi Arabia
- Importing auto parts to Saudi Arabia
- Importing food products to Saudi Arabia
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).
Frequently asked questions
What is the customs duty on cosmetics in Saudi Arabia?
Typically 5%, plus 15% VAT on CIF value and duty. The exact rate is set by the HS code; Sanad Global checks classification before you commit to a purchase.
What certification do cosmetics need?
Sfda notification for every product before import; ingredient lists and labels in arabic are checked.
Where do Saudi importers usually source this category?
Main origins: France, UAE, South Korea, the USA and Turkey. Sanad Global also verifies suppliers and inspects goods before loading.
How fast can I get a landed-cost quote?
Within 30 minutes during working hours (Sunday–Thursday, 9:00–18:00 KSA): freight, duty, VAT, certification and clearance in one written number.
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).