Trade Documents

The basic customs legislation in Saudi Arabia is the GCC Common Customs Law and its Rules of Implementation and Explanatory Notes.⁽¹⁾

Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority requires importers to present a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a certificate of origin to import goods into Saudi Arabia. The importer is also required to present additional documents for certain imports.⁽²⁾

Importers are also required to complete the “Fasah” platform clearing procedures by presenting the necessary documents and completing the customs declaration form at least 48 hours prior to the arrival of the shipment at the port of entry. Importers can submit this information directly into “Fasah” Platform. Via Fasah , importers can track the shipment in Customs or before its arrival as soon as the customs declaration form is completed, as well as receive instant notifications concerning his shipment.⁽³⁾

Documents required for customs declaration related to food items⁽⁴⁾

Concerning food items which are imported into the Kingdom, there are general requirements set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in addition to the requirements by the Saudi Customs:

1. That importers should have an account with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), and registered their food items.

2. Imported food item shall meet all the regulations, requirements, technical regulations and standards applied in KSA.

3. Importer must have a Commercial Register, which includes (food trade).

4. Original invoice shall be certified from the competent authority in the country of origin.

5. One or more of the following certificates (according to the food item) shall be made available:

• Certificate of origin (Copy).
• Halal Certificate (original).
• Certificate of slaughtering for meat and poultry (original).
• Any other documents or certificates required by the SFDA.

In addition to the general requirements listed above, there are special requirements according to the nature of various food items that could be investigated through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority: https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/food/about/administration/mangement_food/Pages/EDOIFC-FoodImportReq.aspx

Customs inspection ⁽⁵⁾

Upon arrival, all imports are subject to customs inspections. Physical inspection may be carried out for goods on a random basis determined by risk profiling. About 90% of imported consignments are subject to X-ray scanning while the remaining 10% are inspected physically. Upon payment of customs duties, imported goods may be released from Customs.

For perishable imports, such as items for human consumption, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) inspectors control the consignment at the border including taking a sample for laboratory analysis. In general, the Customs Department immediately releases consignments with an undertaking from the importer until the analysis results are disclosed. Customs release of perishable goods such as food does not imply that the import may be freely circulated in the market. Free circulation in the market is subject to the decision of the SFDA

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) ⁽⁶⁾

On 1 January 2018, the Saudi Customs Authority introduced the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which is based on a partnership between the SCA and businesses to strengthen the security of the international supply chain and provide more trade facilitation benefits. As of September 2020, 175 companies were approved by the AEO and classified as low-risk business partners that can therefore be trusted by Customs. These companies receive significant benefits that simplify their customs procedures, create greater predictability for business activities at the border, and facilitate the movement of their goods at a lower cost

FASAH project (a single window for import / export process)

In its remarkable advance towards the development of its economy, Saudi Arabia launched an integrated importing and exporting e-system (FASAH). FASAH is an electronic national system for importing and exporting, it creates a link between all organizations related to importing and exporting in one platform. The Platform connects Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Water, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Customs, Saudi Ports Authority, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Saudi Automotive Services, Saudi Commotion for Tourism and Heritage, Ministry of Energy, Industry, and Mineral and along many other governmental authorities listed in FASAH website: https://www.fasah.sa/trade/home/en/index.html

^{(1) Trade Policy Review Report by the WTO -2021}

^{(2) International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce, Saudi Arabia Commercial guide}

^{(3) International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce, Saudi Arabia Commercial guide}

^{(4) Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)}

^{(5) Trade Policy Review Report by the WTO -2021}

^{(6) Trade Policy Review Report by the WTO -2021}