Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia
Customs clearance support for import and export consignments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering document review, FASAH declaration procedures and follow-up through to the authority’s release decision.
Service Overview
Motaded provides customs clearance coordination for companies importing goods into Saudi Arabia or exporting goods from the Kingdom. Support covers shipment document review, coordination of customs declaration preparation, applicable product requirements and release follow-up.
The engagement is defined according to the goods, shipment route and current consignment status. The written quotation identifies the agreed work, responsibilities and service fees before work begins.
Cargo Type and Product Requirements
Clearance preparation depends on the goods and the proposed customs procedure. Product descriptions, intended use and tariff classification help identify whether additional conformity documents, registrations or permits need to be considered.
The table below outlines the initial review for imports into Saudi Arabia. Export consignments are assessed separately against applicable Saudi export controls and destination-country requirements.
| Cargo category | What needs to be reviewed | Additional product support |
|---|---|---|
| General commercial goods | Accurate descriptions, quantities, values, origin and consistency between shipment documents; applicable conformity requirements | Coordination of SABER documentation where applicable. General goods should not be assumed to be exempt from product requirements. |
| Food products | Product category, importer information, labelling and available certificates relevant to the consignment | Coordination of applicable SFDA food documentation and clearance requirements. |
| Medicines and pharmaceutical products | Product and establishment records, available authorisations and consignment documentation | Pharmaceutical regulatory and import support where required. |
| Medical devices and supplies | Device identification, intended use, available authorisation records and importer documentation | Medical-device regulatory support and coordination of applicable SFDA shipment requirements. |
| Cosmetics and personal-care products | Product identity, available listing records, manufacturer information and shipment documentation | Cosmetics listing and documentation support where required. |
| Goods subject to specific controls | Tariff classification, product characteristics, intended use and any restrictions or permit requirements | Coordination with the relevant authority or specialist provider within the agreed scope. |
The consignment-specific review establishes which documents and procedures apply. Product registration, conformity assessment and permit applications are separate work items unless included in the quotation.
Customs Clearance Scope of Services
Motaded coordinates the agreed customs clearance work between the client, supplier, appointed customs broker and relevant service providers. The scope covers document preparation, declaration coordination, product-related requirements and release follow-up.
Shipment Document Preparation
Review the available invoice, packing list and transport documents for completeness and consistency. Identify missing information and coordinate corrections with the client or supplier before the documents are passed for declaration preparation.
Customs Declaration Coordination
Organise the shipment information and supporting documents required by the party preparing the customs declaration. Coordinate queries concerning product descriptions, quantities, values, origin and proposed tariff classification.
The declaration is submitted by the importer or its duly authorised customs broker, as applicable. The quotation identifies the submitting party and distinguishes Motaded’s coordination work from the broker’s declaration services.
Product Requirements Coordination
Identify product-related matters requiring further review and coordinate the agreed supporting documentation. Where relevant, this may involve conformity records, product registrations or permits.
Applications for product registration, conformity assessment or permits are included only where specified in the scope of work.
Clearance and Release Follow-up
Track available clearance updates and communicate requests for documents, clarification or client action. Coordinate the agreed responses with the broker and relevant providers, and report the documented release status.
Transport, storage and delivery arrangements are defined separately where required.
Working with Motaded
Riyadh-based consultancy, established 2017. Further information is available on About Motaded.
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One point of contact
A dedicated coordinator is assigned for the documents, the customs declaration and consignment status.
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Clear scope and fees
The work and the service fee are agreed in writing before the clearance engagement begins.
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Updates at key stages
Status is reported at the document, inspection, payment and release stages.
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Arabic and English
Documents and status updates are provided in Arabic and English.
Saudi Arabia’s trade in figures
July 2026
Merchandise imports and exports for the latest month, compared with the same month last year, and the recent monthly trend.
154.4
SAR billion
Total imports and exports · July 2026
- Imports
- 70.0
- Exports
- 84.4
-15.4% vs July 2025
-17.2% vs July 2025
August 2024–July 2026
Imports Exports
Customs clearance procedure
Customs clearance in Saudi Arabia proceeds in the stages below. Duration depends on document completeness, cargo category and any inspection appointments. A written indication of timing is provided with the quotation after the consignment details have been reviewed.
Request a written consultation
Company and consignment details are reviewed in consultation. Applicable customs clearance requirements and the service fee are confirmed in writing.
Documents required for customs clearance
The documents listed below are typically required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia. Available documents are reviewed and any outstanding items are confirmed in writing.
Fees and quotation
A written quotation is issued for each consignment. The service fee is agreed before work begins and reflects the cargo, the shipment route and the clearance work required.
Motaded service fee
- Agreed before work begins
- The quotation states what is included and what is paid separately
Additional charges
- Duty and taxes, if they apply — ZATCA
- Inspections and permits, if required
- Terminal and warehouse charges, if they arise