As of July 1, 2020 - Increase in VAT rate from 5% to 15%
The tax authorities of Saudi Arabia have announced that the VAT will be increased from 5% to 15% as of July 1, 2020.
This change applies to:
All domestic purchases and sales in Saudi Arabia
All B2B and B2C import shipments whose recipient is located in Saudi Arabia.
More information
We are happy to help you prepare your dutiable shipments. For questions, please contact DHL Customer Service on 088 - 0552 000.
As of February 15, 2020 SASO certificates are no longer accepted.
All certificates of conformity must be requested from this date through the SABER system. This change only applies to commercial shipments (B2B).
SABER is an electronic platform for registering and issuing conformity assessment certificates before the products enter the country. In Saudi Arabia, many products require a certificate of conformity. With this certificate you prove that your product meets the right requirements. This means that the products must be tested. This is often done by accredited companies in the Netherlands.
Example of products to which this applies:
- Mobile phones / devices
- Vehicle batteries and mobile phone batteries including chargers
- water pumps
- Dishwashers
- Television sets
- Lamps and other lighting products
- Electric motors
- Portable computers such as laptops and tablets
Exporters, importers and manufacturers should already be familiar with SABER and the requirements to register their products there.
Additional information can be found on the SABER website at www.saber.sa
For further questions, please contact em[dot]ncc[at]dhl[dot]com (em[dot]ncc[at]dhl[dot]com)
As of August 1, 2018 - Expansion list with goods that fall under IECEE legislation.
An IECEE certificate is awarded to a product when the product meets certain technical requirements. The importer must provide the IECEE certificate. If the importer cannot provide the IECEE certificate, this will lead to a delay or even the return of your shipment.
This legislation only applies to commercial shipments (B2B).
The IECEE certificate applies to:
- Mobile phones
- water pumps
- Dishwashers
- Televisions
- Laptops, tablets
- Electronic watches
- Cell Phone Batteries
- Vehicle Batteries
- Phone Chargers & Parts
- Lamps and lighting equipment
- Electric motors
More information can be found at https://www.iecee.org/
As of January 1, 2018 - VAT 5% on all imports into Saudi Arabia.
In addition, a standard de minimis value of USD 266 now applies. Previously, this value was different per receiving Gateway in Saudi Arabia.
Above the value of USD 266, a formal declaration must be made. For shipments to private individuals, the private recipient must provide a copy of the national identity card. For shipments to business recipients, the importer must have a CR (Company Registration) number and DHL must be registered as the designated customs agent for the relevant importer.
If the requirements are not complied with, the customs authorities will impose fines and the shipment will be returned to the country of shipment.
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