# Importing into Saudi Arabia: documents, SABER and customs

Many regulated products need SABER certificates before shipping: a product certificate, then a shipment certificate. Duty is charged on the CIF value and VAT on the value including duty.


## SABER first

For regulated products, the Saudi conformity system works in two steps:

1. **Product Certificate of Conformity**, registered on SABER for the product.
2. **Shipment Certificate of Conformity**, issued for each shipment.

Without them, the goods wait at the port. Electrical appliances, for example, are typically regulated. Check before loading, not after.

## How the duty is calculated

1. Customs value: CIF.
2. Duty: the rate for the 12-digit code. Saudi Arabia has raised rates on many products in recent years, so do not assume the GCC base rate.
3. VAT on customs value plus duty.

## Common problems

- Invoice shows a 6-digit code; the declaration needs 12 digits.
- Product registered on SABER under a different model or code than the invoice.



## Sources

- [ZATCA integrated tariff](https://zatca.gov.sa/)
- [SABER platform](https://saber.sa/)

Canonical: https://purserhouse.com/en/guides/saudi-arabia/