The Saudi import checklist: 25 points before you ship

Every failed import traces back to a skipped step. Run this checklist before production ships — each point prevents a specific, expensive failure at the Saudi border.

Supplier & goods

• Business licence verified (original, registered scope matches product)
• Factory vs trader confirmed by live video tour
• Golden sample sealed and signed by both sides
• Pre-shipment inspection booked (~$200–400)
• Payment terms: max 30% deposit, balance against B/L copy

Certification

• HS code confirmed to 12 digits in ZATCA tariff
• SABER PCoC issued (valid, exact model names)
• SCoC requested before vessel departure
• SFDA registration done for food/cosmetics/medical
• Arabic labels printed at origin (not stickered later)
• Halal certificates for animal-derived content

Documents

• Invoice: classifiable descriptions, consignee = CR name exactly
• Packing list reconciles with invoice quantities
• B/L draft checked: 7 fields (consignee, notify, port, freight terms…)
• Certificate of origin consistent with invoice; GCC preferential if applicable
• All documents cross-checked against each other pre-sailing

Freight

• Port chosen by final destination (Jeddah west / Dammam east+Riyadh)
• FCL vs LCL decided by the 12–15 CBM break-even
• ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets confirmed
• Cargo insurance ICC(A) at CIF+10%
• Container stuffing photos taken (insurance evidence)

Clearance & arrival

• Broker authorized (tafweed) in FASAH
• Declaration pre-filed before vessel arrival
• Duty + VAT funds ready (5% + 15% on CIF)
• Trucking booked against expected release date