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:

1. 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.
2. The vehicle must be in good condition and free from major damages.
3. The vehicle must pass technical inspection and comply with Saudi standards, such as having the steering wheel on the left side.
4. 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).
5. 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:

1. Vehicles designated as police cars or taxis.
2. Vehicles with altered chassis or identification numbers.
3. Vehicles for residents.
4. Armored vehicles.
5. Vehicles that have been damaged by fire or flooding.
6. 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.