Comprehensive Research on Fasah Platform: Saudi Arabia's Unified Window for International Trade

Executive Summary

The Fasah platform is a fundamental pillar in Saudi Arabia's trade landscape, serving as a unified electronic window for import and export operations. The platform is supervised by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and operated by Saudi Electronic Information Exchange Company (Tabadul). Its core mission is to streamline trade procedures, enhance efficiency, and create a more transparent and attractive business environment in the Kingdom.

The platform offers a wide range of services that directly contribute to reducing customs clearance times, automating many procedures, minimizing manual errors, and providing real-time shipment tracking capabilities. These advantages directly support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, improve trade efficiency, and attract foreign investment.

1. Introduction to Fasah Platform: What it is and its Strategic Importance:

What is Fasah Platform?

Fasah platform is an integrated electronic service that enables traders to register and commence import and export activities. The platform functions as a unified and comprehensive electronic window for all components of the import and export system in the Kingdom.

The Fasah platform is supervised by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and operated by Saudi Electronic Information Exchange Company (Tabadul). This distribution of responsibilities ensures effective government oversight while leveraging specialized expertise in managing electronic systems.

Its Purpose, Importance, and Role in Facilitating Trade

The primary objective of the Fasah platform is to facilitate import and export operations for traders by providing a simplified electronic registration service. Its role extends to enabling all entities involved in clearance and logistical operations to submit, follow up on, and fulfill requirements for relevant government agencies within the import and export system. This includes automating customs clearance, reducing paperwork, and providing a single point of contact for all procedures.

The main benefits of the platform include simplifying procedures, reducing the time and effort required to start commercial activities, and increasing efficiency and speed in transactions. The platform also seeks to enhance transparency in import and export and customs clearance operations, thereby boosting confidence in the Kingdom's commercial environment.

Fasah Platform's Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

The Fasah platform directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by adopting technology and innovation to improve the business environment and increase transparency in commercial transactions. The platform contributes to making the Kingdom an attractive destination for investment and business growth by simplifying business establishment procedures and commercial operations.

It is noteworthy that the registration service on the Fasah platform is free and immediate. This aspect indicates a clear government strategy aimed at removing financial and temporal barriers for companies wishing to engage in international trade. This measure significantly contributes to achieving Vision 2030's goals related to economic diversification and growth, as it directly impacts the ease of doing business index. By making trade registration free and immediate, Fasah platform contributes to creating a more attractive and efficient business environment. This efficiency encourages more companies to participate in international trade, boosting economic activity and aligning with Vision 2030's broader objectives to enhance the Kingdom's global trade position. It reflects a strong commitment from the government to digital transformation and facilitating business.

2. Comprehensive Services Offered by Fasah Platform

The Fasah platform offers a wide range of services that meet the needs of various stakeholders in the trade and logistics ecosystem.

Core Services for Importers and Exporters

• Registration: The platform provides an electronic registration service for new importers and exporters.

• Customs Data: It allows for the electronic submission of import and export data. This includes submitting statistical data for import and export to and from non-GCC countries.

• Fasah Pay (Unified Payment Window): This is a service for digitizing payments and invoices, allowing for the creation, modification, and payment of invoices via a SADAD number, and viewing detailed or aggregated reports and invoices.

• Electronic Amendment Letters: It enables the electronic submission of amendment letters for incoming and outgoing declarations.

• Inquiry Services:

  • Inquiry about clearance letter details.

  • Inquiry about customs duty exemption requests.

  • Inquiry about the disbursement of importer/exporter insurance fees.

  • Inquiry about the customs number for the importer/exporter.

  • Inquiry about the possibility of releasing an importer's guarantee.

  • Inquiry about the possibility of recovering customs duties.

  • Inquiry about sample results.

  • Inquiry about violations and their payment.

• Customs Declaration Printing: Ability to print the final customs declaration.

• Shipment Tracking: Ability to track the shipment's progress within customs or before its arrival.

• Electronic Authorization: Electronically authorizing customs brokers.

• Non-Disposal Declaration: Submitting a declaration of non-disposal of an imported shipment in case samples have been taken and results are pending.

Services for Other Stakeholders

• Shipping Agents: Managing import and export operations from the moment of shipment arrival until delivery to the client, including license management and port community system. This includes submitting import and export manifests, delivery orders, and electronic amendment letters for manifests.

• Customs Brokers: Electronically submitting import and export declarations, receiving approval for the declaration, information on due fees, and schedules for goods inspection appointments. They can reuse manifest information previously submitted by the shipping agent to reduce data re-entry errors.

• Port Operators: Specific services for managing port operations.

• Air, Sea, and Land Ports: Dedicated services for each type of port, including handling manifests and customs declarations.

• Truck Appointment Booking Service: Facilitates coordination between different entities for booking truck appointments.

• Express Courier Companies: Electronically submitting air manifests, land and air customs declarations, and land statistical declarations to customs.

The comprehensive suite of services, particularly "Fasah Pay" and direct Host-to-Host integration, reflects a strategic shift from fragmented, manual operations to an integrated digital ecosystem. This integration aims to create a "single window" experience, reducing the need for multiple physical interactions and disparate systems. This approach contributes to a fundamental restructuring of the commercial workflow in Saudi Arabia, leading to significant reductions in processing time, errors, and operational costs for all stakeholders, making the Saudi trade environment more globally competitive. It also enhances data accuracy and transparency, which are crucial for effective regulatory oversight and risk management.

Table 1: Key Fasah Platform Services by User Type

3. Benefits and Impact on Trade and Customs Efficiency

Streamlining Procedures and Reducing Paperwork

The Fasah platform enables the electronic submission of customs declarations and required documents, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin. The platform also automates services like customs broker authorization and the submission of clearance undertakings, which previously required manual and time-consuming procedures. This automation has reduced the number of required import documents from 12 to just two: the commercial invoice and the bill of lading.

Enhancing Transparency and Investor Confidence

The Fasah platform provides a high level of transparency in import, export, and customs clearance operations. This transparency contributes to strengthening international investors' confidence in Saudi Arabia's commercial environment, making it a more attractive destination for investment.

Impact on Customs Clearance Times (24-Hour Clearance Program)

The platform allows for the initiation of clearance procedures and the creation of customs declarations at least 48 hours before the shipment's arrival at the port, a significant improvement compared to previous post-arrival submission. This pre-emptive measure, along with the automated linkage between all government and private entities working with customs, aims to achieve the "24-hour clearance program." However, non-compliance with the 24-hour clearance requirements may lead to longer clearance periods and additional fees (such as demurrage charges).

The shift to submitting customs data before shipment arrival and the goal of a "24-hour clearance program" represent a fundamental re-engineering of the customs process. This proactive approach, enabled by digital integration, positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in trade efficiency, directly impacting supply chain predictability and reducing logistical costs for businesses. This indicates the Kingdom's commitment to global best practices in trade facilitation, potentially attracting more international trade and investment by providing a highly efficient logistical environment. This directly supports Vision 2030's objective of transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub.

Improving Control and Compliance

The Fasah platform, in cooperation with the Saber platform, facilitates compliance with specifications and standards, thereby improving control over goods entering the Kingdom. The platform supports enhanced customs control through advanced inspection technologies (such as X-ray inspection) and pre-defined risk assessments. The platform also ensures compliance with technical regulations and approved specifications.

4. Fasah Platform Registration Process and Requirements

General Registration Steps

To register on the Fasah platform, users must follow these steps:

1. Access the Fasah platform service via the official link.

2. Log in to the platform.

3. Accurately and clearly fill in the required fields.

4. Activate the account.

5. Enter the verification code received via phone.

6. Agree to the terms and conditions.

7. Submit the request.

Detailed Requirements for Individuals and Companies

• For Individuals: National ID or Iqama number is required.

• For Companies (Importers/Exporters):

  • Ministry/Company name, Address (Region, City, PO Box, Postal Code).

  • Commercial Registration number (main/sub), Commercial Registration date, Commercial Registration expiry date.

  • Importer number.

  • Importer number in the General Customs Authority.

  • Port code (relevant to operations).

  • Authorized Signatory/Decision Maker details: Full name, ID number, Job title, Phone, Fax, Email.

  • Official company stamp and signature.

  • Although there is no specific "for exporters" section in the application form, it is logical that it would require similar commercial registration details and company information for export services.

Mandatory Training Requirements

Saudi Customs mandates that all users attend Fasah training before using the services. The training outline includes an overview of the application, how to create, save, browse, and send transactions, check their status, create and send electronic amendment letters, read alerts, and practical exercises.

Training fees are free for governmental entities and for the first user application for any new organization. For others, the fee is SAR 350.00 per participant, payable before the first day of training. A minimum of 15 trainees is required per course, and Saudi Electronic Information Exchange Company reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if the number is less.

The mandatory training requirement for Fasah platform users, despite the platform's aim for simplification, highlights the inherent complexity of customs and trade regulations. This suggests that while the interface may be simplified, the underlying processes require a certain level of user proficiency to ensure compliance and efficient operation. This proactive measure aims to reduce errors and bottlenecks that might arise from user unfamiliarity, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency goals.

Table 2: Fasah Platform Registration Requirements Checklist

5. Fasah Platform User Guide

Login Methods

Users can log in to the Fasah platform using their account credentials (username and password). Individuals can also log in via the National Single Sign-On (Nafath). For some services, logging in via external systems like E-cosma may be required.

The availability of multiple login methods, including the National Single Sign-On, indicates the integration of the Fasah platform into the broader digital government ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This unified access streamlines the user experience, reduces the burden of remembering multiple credentials, and enhances security by leveraging existing national identity verification systems.

General Workflow for Submitting Applications (e.g., Customs Declarations)

To submit applications, users follow this general workflow:

1. Access the service via the official Fasah platform website.

2. Click on the "Start Now" button, then select the activity and entity type.

3. Select the ID type and enter the corresponding number, then select the commercial registration number and enter the authorized signatory's ID number and phone number.

4. Proceed to a new page containing data that must be entered accurately and clearly.

5. Enter the verification code received via phone in the designated field.

6. Agree to the terms and conditions.

7. Click the "Submit Request" button.

   For clearance of food or chemical products, additional documents (such as invoices, bills of lading, certificates) must be attached via the Fasah platform (Tabadul) and forwarded to the competent authority to complete the clearance procedures.

Shipment Tracking and Monitoring

Users can track the progress of their shipments within customs or before their arrival once the customs declaration is created. The platform provides instant alerts regarding the shipment's status.

User Management

The platform allows users to manage other users, including adding, deleting, and modifying contact officers.

6. Integrations with Other Government and Private Entities

The Fasah platform is characterized by its extensive integration with numerous government and private entities, which enhances the efficiency and comprehensiveness of its services.

Key Government Integrations

• Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA): The Fasah platform is directly supervised by ZATCA and serves as its electronic arm for import and export operations.

• Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA): Fasah integrates with the SFDA to receive the final status of items, all relevant documents, send sample test results, and receive container and goods locations, customs declaration information, and item details, especially for food product clearance.

• Ministry of Environment and Water: Fasah collaborates with this ministry to facilitate the electronic transfer of transactions.

• General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM): Fasah integrates with GCAM's "I'lam" platform to submit customs clearance requests and issue clearance permits for devices, books, and publications.

• Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources: Processes chemical clearance requests via the Fasah platform, ensuring the smooth entry of chemical materials for industrial investment.

• Ministry of Education (Jameah Portal): Facilitates the issuance of import and clearance permits for scientific materials used for research purposes in universities and research centers.

Role of the Government Service Bus (GSB)

The Government Service Bus (GSB) aims to enable secure, fast, and accurate electronic exchange of shared government services between entities. This channel contributes to achieving the "paperless government" concept by increasing the effectiveness of provided services. GSB connects over 243 beneficiary entities, publishes over 309 services, and processes over 3 billion operations (as of early 2025). Integration steps include signing agreements, connecting servers via the secure Government Secure Network (GSN) and the National Information Center (NSP/AIP), and installing GSBExpress.

Fasah Integrations with Other Platforms

• Saber: Fasah works in cooperation with Saber, a platform to ensure product conformity with Saudi standards. Traders register products in Saber, determine their regulatory compliance, and obtain the necessary conformity certificates, which is crucial for customs clearance via Fasah.

• E-Cosma: Some Fasah functionalities, such as user management and clearance requests, involve logging in via the E-Cosma system, indicating an existing or parallel integration between the systems.

• Sanam FASAH Service: This service facilitates direct electronic integration (Host-to-Host or H2H) for shipping agents, customs brokers, and express courier companies, allowing them to upload manifests, delivery orders, and customs declarations directly from their internal systems, reducing manual entry errors and saving time, effort, and cost.

Clarifying the Role of "Motaded"

Motaded.com.sa is a trusted partner specializing in comprehensive business setup services in Saudi Arabia, including obtaining investment licenses, company registration, visa processing, and regulatory compliance. However, it is important to note that Motaded does not provide information about the Fasah platform itself. Instead, it registers companies on other government platforms such as "Mudad," "Muqeem," and "Qiwa," which are part of the broader business ecosystem.

The clear distinction between Fasah (trade facilitation) and Motaded (business setup) highlights a specialized yet interconnected digital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. While Motaded assists in establishing businesses, Fasah is essential for operational trade activities. This specialization, supported by the Government Service Bus (GSB), indicates a mature digital government strategy where different platforms handle specific domains but are designed to work together seamlessly. This allows for focused development and expertise in each area (e.g., trade, business setup, labor) while GSB ensures data flow and interoperability, leading to a more robust, scalable, and user-centric digital environment for businesses and citizens. This architecture is more flexible and adaptable to specific regulatory changes within each domain.

Table 3: Fasah Platform Integrations

7. Latest Updates and Developments

Latest News and Enhancements Related to Fasah Platform

The Fasah platform undergoes continuous updates, with official page content updated periodically (e.g., the last update date for My.gov.sa service page is 05/07/2025). Recent news from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources indicates the processing of 803 chemical clearance requests in February 2025, highlighting the ongoing activity and efficiency of chemical clearance services via Fasah/Sana'i platform. Updates from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in July/August 2025 also indicate an increase in air passenger numbers, indirectly pointing to the growing volume of trade and travel supported by Fasah's underlying infrastructure. The "Latest News" section in Fasah also mentions the Sanam FASAH service for direct electronic linkage (H2H) for shipping agents and express courier companies, facilitating the electronic submission of manifests and customs declarations.

Updates on Specific Clearance Operations (e.g., Chemical and Feed Products)

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has processed a large number of chemical clearance requests, aiming to streamline the entry of chemical materials for industrial production. Updates on feed product clearance conditions include requirements such as health certificates (for animal/plant-origin ingredients), certificates of origin, copies of customs declarations, purchase invoices, and Halal certificates for certain products. Importers are required to retain original documents for five years from the clearance date.

How to Update Importer Data

Importers can update their data by logging into their Fasah platform account, clicking on their username at the top of the page, and then navigating to their profile information to update the data.

The continuous updates and focus on processing specific types of clearance (such as chemical and feed products) demonstrate the dynamic nature of the Fasah platform and its responsiveness to evolving regulatory requirements and industry needs. The ability for importers to easily update their data online reflects a commitment to user convenience and data accuracy, both crucial for maintaining efficient trade flows.

8. Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Solutions

Common Questions Related to Fasah Functions, Registration, and Specific Clearance Types

• Registration/Login: How to log in (via Fasah account or National Single Sign-On)?

• General Clearance: What are the conditions for food clearance? What are the requirements for clearing non-commercial products (for personal use, research samples, marketing samples)?

• Specific Clearance (Books/Media): Can a clearance request for a book be submitted after obtaining the ISBN? What are the conditions for clearing books and publications (e.g., not violating Sharia law, public order, etc.)? Are there fees required for book clearance?

• Product Conformity (Saber): What are the advantages of registering in Saber? How does the Saber system work? How can products be searched via the Saber platform?

• Importer Data: How to update importer data?

• General Inquiries: What are the requirements for submitting a labor endorsement request?

Practical Solutions and Contact Information for Support

• General Support: Fasah platform can be contacted directly by phone: 920033950 or email: care@fasah.sa.

• ZATCA Support: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority can be contacted by phone: 00966112048998, or email: info@zatca.gov.sa.

• User Manuals: Although a fully comprehensive user manual is not available in the provided sources, there are specific guides for importers/exporters.

• Feedback and Suggestions: Users can submit their comments and suggestions through a dedicated form on the ZATCA service page.

The presence of numerous FAQs related to specific clearance types (e.g., food, chemicals, books) and the availability of direct contact channels (phone, email) indicate an awareness of the often diverse and complex nature of trade regulations. This multi-faceted support system aims to provide targeted assistance, reducing user frustration and ensuring smoother processing even for specialized goods.

Table 4: Fasah Platform FAQs and Solutions

Conclusion: Fasah's Pivotal Role in the Future of Saudi Trade

The Fasah platform is an indispensable unified electronic window for import and export operations in Saudi Arabia. The platform has demonstrated significant contributions to streamlining trade procedures, enhancing efficiency, and increasing transparency in the business environment. These contributions align closely with Saudi Vision 2030's ambitious goals to diversify the economy and transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub.

The platform's continuous evolution through integrations with other government and private entities, and regular service updates, demonstrates a firm commitment to building a modern, digitally-driven trade ecosystem. By facilitating customs clearance, reducing paperwork, and providing advanced tracking tools, Fasah accelerates the pace of international trade for the Kingdom. Consequently, the platform solidifies its position as an indispensable component of the Kingdom's trade infrastructure, driving economic growth and enhancing its competitive standing on the global stage.