How to Choose a Reliable Customs Broker in Saudi Arabia

by Abdelrahman Ghaniem El Ali | Apr 20, 2025 | customs clearance, Customs clearance of imported cars

certainly need a reliable and authorized customs broker to obtain the customs clearance document for your shipment, whether it is for import or export. But let’s first understand how to choose a customs broker in Saudi Arabia.

Steps to Choosing a Customs Broker

1. Verify the Official License

The first step is to ensure that the broker is certified and licensed by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. You can request the license number and verify their name through official platforms such as Fasah.

2. Experience and Skill in Handling Different Types of Goods

A customs broker should have expertise in dealing with all kinds of goods and shipments, such as Food items, Medicines (which require permits from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority – SFDA)Medical supplies, Chemicals, and Electronics such as screens, computers, laptops, and mobile phones which require certificates of conformity to standards and specifications.
They should also be experienced in customs clearance for all types of vehicles.
You can check here for the steps and documents required for clearing imported vehicles.

3. Familiarity with Customs Regulations

Customs laws and systems are constantly evolving, including rules, tariffs, and electronic requirements. A good customs broker must stay up to date with the latest changes to overcome obstacles when obtaining the customs clearance document.

Don’t forget one important aspect: knowing how to use and interact with the Fasah platform effectively

What is Fasah

Fasah is an integrated electronic platform that provides customs clearance services. It was launched by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in cooperation with Tabadul Company. It is used by all customs authorities, government agencies (like SFDA), importers, exporters, and customs brokers.

4. Having a Formal Contract Between All Involved Parties

Having an official contract or agreement is essential—it’s not just a document but a legal protection for both parties. Many issues arise when things are handled based on “trust only,” which often leads to disputes.

The contract should include:

Description of services provided
Delivery timelines
Responsibilities of each party
Payment method
Policies for delays or mistakes

5. Quick Communication

A qualified customs broker should be quick and responsive, whether through phone calls, WhatsApp, or email. Fast communication helps in:

Understanding challenges during the clearance process
Knowing the required documents
Handling any errors that could delay the shipment
Providing shipment updates and ensuring procedures are completed smoothly

6. Providing Additional Services

Some customs brokers and companies go the extra mile by offering:

Temporary storage of shipments
Transportation and delivery services
Coordination with government entities
Issuance of conformity and inspection certificates

The Ideal Solution to Get the Best Customs Broker in Saudi Arabia

At Abdulrahman El Ali Establishment, we offer certified customs clearance services at Neom Port and Duba Port. We provide you with the best methods and solutions to obtain the customs release for your goods in the fastest time, with the ability to deal with all potential shipment issues and maintain fast communication with the client.

We provide:

We supply containers suitable for all types of goods. All you have to do is contact us, and we will solve and complete your customs issue as quickly as possible

Steps and Conditions Required to Complete Procedures Cars Customs Clearance

by Abdelrahman Ghaniem El Ali | Dec 23, 2024 | customs clearance, Customs clearance of imported cars

If you wish to import a car from abroad, customs clearance is an essential requirement for the imported vehicle to enter the country. This process ensures that all legal conditions and procedures necessary for customs clearance are met, allowing you to use or sell the car in Saudi Arabia.

The Role of Car Customs Clearance

Car customs clearance plays a pivotal role in the Saudi economy by increasing revenue through customs duties and taxes. It also helps regulate the market and protect consumers by ensuring vehicles comply with the standards and regulations followed in Saudi Arabia, safeguarding buyers and users alike.

Let us first explore some of the conditions, steps, and rules necessary to obtain a customs clearance authorization for imported cars.

Required Conditions for Vehicles Allowed for Import

The import of vehicles is subject to a set of regulations and conditions set by the General Authority of Zakat, Tax, and Customs in Saudi Arabia. The key conditions include:

Importation of small vehicles, buses, and light transport vehicles (up to 3.5 tons) is permitted, provided the model is no older than five years, calculated retroactively, excluding the current year.
The vehicle must be in good condition and free from major damages.
The vehicle must pass technical inspection and comply with Saudi standards, such as having the steering wheel on the left side.
The vehicle must comply with the Energy Efficiency Certificate, and an inquiry notice must be issued through the website of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO).
Importation of classic cars over 30 years old is allowed, provided a Classic Car Classification Certificate is issued

Required Documents for Clearing a Vehicle from Customs

To obtain a customs exemption letter for an imported vehicle, you must first ensure that all the necessary documents and paperwork are available, including:

1. Certificate of Origin for the Vehicle: Must be authenticated in the country from which the vehicle is being exported.

2 . Vehicle Purchase Invoice: An official invoice containing all purchase details, such as vehicle information, engine capacity, price, and details of imported spare parts.

3. Energy Efficiency Certificate

4. Importer’s Identification: Whether the importer is an individual or a company.

5. Vehicle Age Restriction: The imported vehicle model must not exceed five years old, calculated retroactively, excluding the current year.

6. Requirements for Residents: A resident must provide their passport, residency permit, and proof of ownership of the imported vehicle. Residents are allowed to import one private vehicle every three years and cannot sell it until three years from the importation date.

7. Commercial Importation: A commercial importer must provide the company’s commercial registration in addition to all the previously mentioned documents.

8. Payment of Required Taxes and Fees: Necessary tax payments must be completed to ensure the issuance of the customs exemption letter.

Prohibited Vehicles for Importation

Certain vehicles are prohibited from being imported due to non-compliance with Saudi regulations:

Vehicles designated as police cars or taxis.
Vehicles with altered chassis or identification numbers.
Vehicles for residents.
Armored vehicles.
Vehicles that have been damaged by fire or flooding.
Stolen vehicles.

Customs Duties for Vehicles

The customs duties for imported vehicles amount to 5% of the vehicle’s value, in addition to a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Fast Customs Clearance for Vehicles

At Abdelrahman Ghaniem El-Ali Customs Clearance, we offer expedited Car customs clearance services. Our professional customs clearance agent in Duba ensures that the process is completed promptly.

We guarantee obtaining the customs exemption letter after verifying all the required documents. Additionally, we provide continuous follow-up with the client throughout the customs clearance process, addressing any challenges that may arise during the procedure.

Customs Clearance and Its Role in the Growth of the Saudi Economy

by Abdelrahman Ghaniem El Ali | Nov 26, 2024 | customs clearance

Customs clearance plays a significant role in the growth and improvement of a country’s economy by regulating trade and overseeing the entry and exit of goods and shipments in accordance with each country’s customs laws. But first, let us understand what customs clearance entails.

Customs Clearance

It is the process of facilitating the entry and exit of goods and shipments into and out of a country by completing all required documents and customs procedures, ensuring that shipments comply with the necessary standards as per the laws of each country. This process streamlines import and export activities. In Saudi Arabia, this process is overseen by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, the body responsible for all customs-related activities in the Kingdom.

Documents Required for Customs Clearance

When importing or exporting goods or shipments, specific documents and paperwork must be prepared to meet the customs regulations of the respective country. Below are the essential documents needed for customs clearance:

Certificate of Origin: A document specifying the country where the goods were manufactured.
Bill of Lading: A contract between the supplier and importer that details the goods or shipment, its contents, and the port or land entry points where the shipment will arrive.
Commercial Invoice: A document indicating the number of goods or shipments and their respective prices. It must include a tax stamp.
Technical Report: A report verifying that goods comply with legal and health standards, especially for food or medicine shipments.
Packing List: A manually or electronically prepared document essential for customs clearance. It contains detailed information about the shipment, such as the number of boxes, weights, shipment details, and verification of compliance with the numbers marked on the shipment.

The Importance of Customs Clearance and Its Role in Supporting the Economy

Customs clearance plays a crucial role in countries’ economic growth. Saudi Arabia, being a global trade hub for goods and shipments in import and export—whether by land, air, or sea—relies significantly on customs clearance to support its national economy, leveraging its strategic geographic location. This role is highlighted through:

1- Encouraging Foreign Investments

Customs clearance facilitates attracting foreign investments from various countries to the Saudi market, leading to the availability of a wide range of goods in the local market. This helps boost trade, increasing supply, and establishing a global market featuring diverse products from different countries. Consequently, it enhances sales activities, contributing to economic prosperity.

2- Growth of International Trade

Customs clearance promotes the growth of international trade by expanding import and export activities between countries. Showcasing local products in foreign markets and on a global stage strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and other nations, fostering economic security and collaboration.

3- Promoting Local Products and Industries:

All imported goods and products undergo quality checks to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations. This ensures the availability of high-quality products in the market, which in turn motivates local industries to improve the quality of their offerings in the national Saudi market. This competitiveness also encourages efforts to export local products to international markets.

Solving Customs Clearance Issues

At Abdulrahman Ghanem EL-Ali Customs Clearance Firm, we adhere to all customs procedures in compliance with Saudi laws through a specialized team and certified customs clearance agents. They ensure all required documents are reviewed and verified, oversee the customs clearance process, and address any obstacles that may arise during clearance.

We guarantee a fast customs clearance process for goods and Car custom Clarence, as our legal team is well-versed in the latest updates to customs laws and regulations. This expertise helps overcome any challenges faced by customs clearance brokers, ensuring quick completion of procedures, reduced costs, and payment of necessary customs and tax duties to secure the customs clearance certificate.

عبد الرحمن غانم العلي للتخليص الجمركي