Do you know the differences in customs clearance between Saudi and the UAE?
In international logistics and foreign trade operations, understanding the clearance time and potential risks in each country is crucial. This is especially true for Middle Eastern countries due to their unique laws, regulations, cultural and religious contexts, and import supervision systems. Below is a comparative analysis of Saudi and the UAE to help companies plan ahead, reduce logistics costs, and minimize clearance risks.
1. Saudi Arabia
The customs clearance process in Saudi is generally stricter and usually takes 3-5 days to complete. After goods arrive at customs, the declaration list is reviewed first, and identity verification is required for personal items. All packages are subjected to X-ray inspection, and some may even be opened for further examination. Only after all these procedures are completed will customs release the goods for delivery.
However, if customs has any doubts about the goods, the recipient may be required to provide additional documents or proof, leading to long-term detention of the goods. In some cases, high tariffs must be paid before the goods are released. If customs clearance cannot be completed, the goods may be returned to the sender or destroyed.
Additionally, for special items such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and medical devices, Saudi customs requires SFDA registration or approval. Without these documents, clearance will not be granted, which often leads to port congestion and delays.
2. UAE
The UAE has one of the most efficient customs clearance processes in the Middle East, usually taking 1-3 days. If all documents are in order, clearance can be completed in as little as 24 hours. Personal shipments are relatively easy to clear, while commercial shipments require a complete invoice and declarations consistent with the HS CODE.
The main risks in UAE customs clearance include:
Undervalued invoices or discrepancies between product names and the actual goods may lead to customs questioning and requiring payment of additional duties.
For special items such as food, cosmetics, and electronics, import permits must be obtained in advance. Missing documentation will result in delays.
Ontask Express focuses on the Saudi special line, providing customers with efficient and reliable Saudi cargo, with a focus on the Middle East region. With overseas warehouses in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a self-managed Chinese delivery team, we empower Chinese products to go global and benefit all humanity!