طائرة كبيرة متوقفة على المدرج، ترمز إلى شحن البضائع والتخليص الجمركي في السعودية

The most important documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive guide with examples from Jeddah and Dammam

Byashaheenco

If you are looking for the documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, this guide will show you everything you need to facilitate the clearance process, whether you are an importer or a business owner, with practical examples from Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam.

What documents are required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia?

The customs clearance process relies on a set of essential documents that must be prepared before goods arrive at Saudi ports. These documents ensure the smooth and legal passage of goods and help avoid any delays or fines.

A person holding a small model airplane in their hand, symbolizing shipping and customs clearance operations in Saudi Arabia.

1. Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is one of the most important documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia. It details the value and type of goods, as well as the seller’s and buyer’s information.

Invoice contents:

  • Name and address of seller and buyer
  • Detailed description of the products (quality, quantity, specifications)
  • The value of the goods in the agreed currency
  • Terms of sale and payment such as FOB or CIF

Practical examples:

  • In Jeddah, the invoice is used to determine customs duties and value-added tax.
  • In Dammam, the invoice is used to review shipments before they are moved internally.

2. Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill)

One of the most important documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia is the bill of lading, which proves ownership of the goods and specifies the method of transport.

Policy contents:

  • Shipper and recipient names
  • Product Description
  • Loading and unloading port
  • Signature of the transport company

Practical examples:

  • In Jeddah, the bill of lading is used to verify the arrival of maritime goods from abroad.
  • In Dammam, shipping documents are checked, especially for large and multi-item shipments.

3. Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin is one of the documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia to ensure that goods conform to trade agreements and to determine customs duties.

Practical examples:

  • Clothing shipments coming from Türkiye to Jeddah need a certificate of origin to facilitate clearance and obtain exemptions.
  • Electrical appliances coming from China to Dammam need an approved certificate of origin.

4. Packing List

The packing list is an important document among the documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, as it makes it easier for customs officials to inspect the goods and match them with the invoice.

Packing list contents:

  • Number of boxes or containers
  • Weights and dimensions of each box
  • Describe the contents of each box

Practical examples:

  • In Jeddah, it helps to match goods with the commercial invoice.
  • In Dammam, it is used to facilitate rapid inspection of multi-item shipments.

5. Special Licenses and Certificates

Some goods require special permits before clearance, such as:

  • Food items: Health certificate from the Ministry of Health
  • Electrical appliances: Certificate of conformity to Saudi specifications
  • Chemicals: Permits from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Practical examples:

  • Drug shipments in Jeddah require an official import certificate.
  • Industrial shipments in Dammam sometimes require permits from the Ministry of Industry.

6. Bank documents

Bank documents are used in some clearance processes, especially if the payment process is via a letter of credit (LC).

Practical examples:

  • Submit a copy of the LC to customs to confirm payment for imported goods.

Tips to facilitate customs clearance

  1. Prepare all the documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia before the goods arrive.
  2. Verify the accuracy and consistency of the data between the invoice, policy, and packing list.
  3. Use a reliable customs clearance company to speed up the process.
  4. Find out about customs duties and taxes in advance.
  5. Keep electronic copies of all documents.

Icons representing tips to facilitate customs clearance for goods in Saudi Arabia

Summary

If you are looking for the documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, the most important thing is to prepare all the documents in advance:

  • Commercial invoice
  • bill of lading
  • Certificate of origin
  • packing list
  • Special licenses
  • Bank documents

Following these procedures ensures that goods are cleared quickly and efficiently at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, and reduces any delays or legal problems.

For more information about customs clearance in Saudi Arabia

Customs clearance costs in Saudi Arabia: A practical comparison between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam

What are the differences between customs clearance in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh – and which is most suitable for your business?

Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance – Instagram

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