Export new cars to Saudi Arabia from Dubai

Saudi Arabia applies a GCC common external tariff of at least five percent to most imports from outside the GCC, calculated on the CIF value per Trade.gov. As of July 2020, the kingdom levies a 15 percent value added tax on all imported goods. In addition to tariffs and VAT, importers face customs surcharges, port fees, cargo service fees, and an import inspection tax. Brand-new vehicles are subject to these duties and VAT at the point of entry.

Conformity and SASO Requirements

All imported vehicles must meet Saudi Arabian standards enforced by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization). You will need a conformity certificate proving the vehicle complies with Saudi standards. The process is managed through Saudi Arabia's Saleem product safety program, which uses Saber, an electronic portal for registering products with required shipping documents. Per Trade.gov, this conformity process can be complicated and may incur unnecessary charges if completed incorrectly, so using an SASO-approved certification body is strongly recommended.

Documentation and Entry

Your bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and chassis certificate must accompany the shipment to customs. Additional items such as a conformity certificate and pre-shipment inspection documentation will be required before release. The Saber portal is accessible only to importers, SASO-approved certification bodies, and Saudi customs officials, so coordinate with an authorized agent if you are unfamiliar with the system.

Verify with the destination's customs authority before shipping — duty rates vary by engine size, fuel type, and buyer category.