Import machinery into
Saudi Arabia.

Duty and the 15% VAT

Most machinery under the GCC common tariff is planned at 5% duty on CIF. Import VAT is generally 15% on the customs value plus duty. For a VAT-registered importer, the VAT is usually recoverable, but it must be funded at entry.

The model shows VAT separately so a buyer can see the cash requirement and the economic cost. A single “tax” line hides that difference.

• VAT is calculated after duty, not on FOB alone.
• Recovery does not remove the cash timing.
• Product-specific duties and safeguards can sit outside the category range.

SABER and SASO before the port

Many products need SABER registration or a certificate of conformity before customs release. Machinery, electricals, toys and consumer goods are common scopes. The cost and delay sit outside duty but inside the landed cost.

Ask the supplier for test reports, certificates and Arabic labelling evidence early. A conformity problem can turn a cheap freight quote into storage and demurrage.

• Check the product scope before booking.
• Keep certificate and invoice details consistent.
• Used machinery may need pre-shipment inspection.

Ports and inland delivery

Jeddah, Dammam and the Riyadh dry port have different terminal and inland profiles. The model uses a planning range for a routine entry from a major port to a nearby industrial location.

Storage, inspection and remote delivery can exceed the range. If your site is outside a major city, replace the inland line with a trucking quote.

What this page does not decide

It does not classify your goods, confirm origin, determine the customs value, promise a freight rate or replace a licensed broker. Use the sample as a planning frame, then replace each assumption with a confirmed figure.

For the full destination context, read the Saudi Arabia destination file and the related guide.

Common questions