Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
The following may be shipped to Saudi Arabia from Canada as documents.
- Advertising literature and price lists
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Business cards
- Bids, proposals, and blueprints
- Cash letters, cheques, negotiable bonds and drafts
- Charts Company newsle
- tters and internal mail
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings, including sepia drawings
- Driver's licence
- Examination papers
- Graphs
- Labels
- Manuscripts and technical manuals
- Specification sheets
- Transparencies
- Traveller's Cheques
- Visa Applications
The following items will only be considered documents if they abide by
the restriction shown
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Credit cards | A maximum of 2, and only if sent to a private individual |
| Diskettes | Only if they contain data; new diskettes are considered
non-documents |
| Envelopes | Only if blank |
| Event tickets for football (soccer) matches and stage
performances | Shipment limit of 5 kg, and must not include tickets
shipped to an event organiser or ticket sales office |
| Forms | Only if blank |
| Greeting cards and invitations | A maximum of 5 |
| Negatives | Only if they are non-offensive |
| Pamphlets and photographs | Must not contain offensive pictures, advertising, or
other material |
| Passports | Only if for visa stamp purposes |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
All gift shipments to Saudi Arabia from Canada will incur duty and
taxes. There are no exemptions for gifts.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
An individual in Canada cannot ship a gift to an individual in Saudi
Arabia without duty and taxes being charged.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift from a business in Canada shipped to a business in Saudi Arabia
will be charged duty and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipped to an individual in Saudi Arabia from Canada will incur
duty and taxes.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you are shipping 2 or more gifts in a shipment, be sure to wrap
and tag each one separately
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects and household appliances can be shipped from Canada
to Saudi Arabia exempt from duty and taxes.
This exemption is available to Canadian or Saudi Arabian citizens
moving permanently to Saudi Arabia. The amount of goods in the
shipment must be in line with the number of people in the household.
Moving Temporarily
Canadian citizens moving to Saudi Arabia for the first time may ship
their personal effects VAT-free.
Moving Permanently
Students and those on a work contract in Canada returning to Saudi
Arabia may ship their personal effects exempt from customs fees,
including VAT.
The returnee must provide proof of being in Canada for work or study.
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- State clearly on the commercial invoice 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- If any item is new, an invoice for that item is required
- A copy of your passport, or ID card
- For Saudi citizens, provide a proof of Canadian residence
- For Canadian citizens, provide a proof of arrival in Saudi
Arabia
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/Personal-luggages
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/general/luggage
https://www.vat.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2018-09/VAT_import_Export_Guideline_English.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Limited information is available at this time regarding shipping
foodstuffs to Saudi Arabia from Canada.
Do Not Ship
- Pork or any pig products
- Frog meat
- Products that contain blood
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/general/Prohibited-goods
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/general/Import-goods
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/SA-Saudi-Arabia-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to promote products and encourage sales
Commercial samples from Canada are allowed entry to Saudi Arabia as
temporary imports providing
- The goods are for exhibition only
- The samples are returned to Canada at the end of the exhibition
- They have prior permission from the Director of Customs in Riyadh
- A refundable deposit* is paid to cover the customs duty and
surcharge
- They return to Canada within 12 months of entry to Saudi Arabia
*The deposit will be returned at the end of the trade show and the
samples' owner provides a document indicating that he or she
participated in the show or exhibition
NOTE:
Samples of watches and jewellery will be levied a
non-refundable duty.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
- Certificate of origin
- The request for prior permission is accompanied with samples, a catalogue, and price list
Sources:
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/saudi-arabia-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising material may enter Saudi Arabia from Canada for items
destined for exhibitions, trade shows, and similar events.
Material* allowed duty-free importation includes:
- Factory advertising
- Catalogues
- Brochures
*Excludes all calendars (illustrated and printed)
Temporary importations are permissible, e.g., for trade fairs
and exhibitions. Goods to be imported temporarily are to be
accompanied by a Commercial Invoice stating that the goods will be
re-exported. For commercial samples in particular, invoices must
contain the wording "Not For Sale - No Commercial Value". In
general, Saudi Customs requires deposits for all goods imported
under a suspensive procedure that equal the customs duties that would
be applied if the goods were intended for free circulation. The
deposit will be refunded upon re-exportation, but additional
handling charges may be due.
https://madb.europa.eu/madb/viewPageIFPubli.htm?doc=overview&hscode=&countryid=SA Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Be sure to abide by the rules mentioned above
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.sa/themes/custom/customs/files/agreements/customs_law/en.pdf
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/saudi-arabia-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment and machinery for repair may enter Saudi Arabia from Canada
without payment of duty and taxes under the country's temporary
admission rules.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty sent to Saudi Arabia for repairs will be
exempt from GST when it returns to Canada
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If an item is sent to Saudi Arabia for repairs and is no longer under
warranty, GST will be charged. GST will be applied to the value of
the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any
duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Saudi Arabia
Sending equipment and machinery from Canada for repair in Saudi Arabia
will incur no duty and taxes under the country's temporary admission
rules.
Returning Repaired Product to Saudi Arabia
Machinery that was repaired in Canada and is returning to Saudi Arabia
will have VAT incurred based on the value added to the machinery,
i.e. the cost of repairs and parts
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Saudi Arabia or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.sa/themes/custom/customs/files/agreements/customs_law/en.pdf
https://www.vat.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2018-09/VAT_import_Export_Guideline_English.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods may enter Saudi Arabia as a temporary import with permission of
the Director General of Customs in Riyadh.
Duties will not be incurred providing the items are re-exported within
6 months.
Temporary imports include items such as:
- Items imported for processing
- Goods destined for theatres and performances
- Equipment for repair
- Commercial samples for display at trade fairs and exhibitions
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.sa/themes/custom/customs/files/agreements/customs_law/en.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Occasional Shipper
For goods sold on-line, they will be duty-free if their value is
1,000 SAR (about $370 CAD). However, VAT will be charged
regardless of the value of the shipment
Regular Shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Saudi Arabia, we recommend
the use of a Saudi customs broker
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/general/e-stores-customers
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Faisal Wahhab
Al Faisalyah Centre
Al Olaya
Riyadh 12212
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 273 2222 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
Import duties and taxes in Saudi Arabia are calculated based on the sum
of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs
(shipping costs). This is known as the CIF value.
Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much duty and tax the
recipient must pay to import goods to Saudi Arabia.
Thresholds
A shipment with a value of less than 1,000 SAR (about $370 CAD)
will be exempt from customs duty. This is called the de minimis value.
There is no de minimis value for VAT; all shipments will incur VAT.
Certain products will incur excise taxes. They include soft
drinks, energy drinks, sweetened drinks, and e-cigarettes.
Details can be found
here .
| Currency | Saudi Arabian Riyal SAR |
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value) | 1000 SAR [about $370 CAD) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT)* | 15%* (standard) |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | No threshold |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
In addition to import duties, certain goods such as tobacco
products and alcoholic beverages incur excise taxes. Details for these
products may be found
here.
The first set of tariff cuts started in January 2019, and once
fully implemented 99% of all trade duties will be eliminated.
- Candy8%
- Chocolate5%
- Spirits and Winesbanned
- Tobacco100%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles5%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras5%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats5%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics5%
- Jewellery5%
- Shirts & Pants5%
- Home Appliances5% - 10%
- Toys5%
- Sports Equipment5%
*A minimum limit of 40 - 300 SAR per kg (about $15 - $110 CAD) -
depending on the type of tobacco product. Details can be found
here.
Sources:
https://gazt.gov.sa/en/HelpCenter/guidelines/Documents/Selective%20Excise%20Tax%20Eng.pdf
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/customsTariffSearch
https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/general/e-stores-customers
https://www.vat.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2018-09/VAT_import_Export_Guideline_English.pdf
https://madb.europa.eu/madb/viewPageIFPubli.htm?doc=overview&hscode=&countryid=SA
Questions
about Shipping to Saudi Arabia
Can I ship to Saudi Arabia?
Shipping to Saudi Arabia from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Saudi Arabia by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Saudi Arabia?
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Shipping Rates
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Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Saudi Arabia Shipping Insurance