🛃Customs clearance and document preparation
Customs clearance is part of every international shipment leaving Saudi Arabia: an export declaration through the Fasah platform at the Saudi border or port, then an import declaration in the destination country. We review the invoice, packing list and approvals before loading, so the truck reaches the border with its file ready. Clearance procedures are within the shipping price, while customs duties are paid to the destination country.
- ✓The invoice and packing list reviewed before loading
- ✓The export declaration through Fasah
- ✓The required approvals identified
- ✓Remarks followed up through to release
Customs at destination: a summary by country
A general summary to help you know what to expect. The text in force on clearance day governs, so your case is reviewed before shipping.
| Country | Used furniture | Goods | Cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | Usually exempt for someone relocating | GCC origin exempt with a certificate of origin; foreign goods usually 5% | 5% duty on value at permanent registration |
| Qatar | Usually exempt for someone relocating | As for the UAE | 5% duty on value at Abu Samra |
| Bahrain | Usually exempt for someone relocating | As for the UAE | 5% duty and a technical test |
| Kuwait | Usually exempt for someone relocating | As for the UAE | 5% duty, with model-year conditions |
| Oman | Usually exempt for someone relocating | As for the UAE | 5% duty and a technical test |
| Jordan | A returning Jordanian expatriate’s furniture is exempt after one continuous year abroad, once only | Duties by tariff line and 16% sales tax | Outside the expatriates’ exemption, with temporary entry available |
| Iraq | Exemption considered for a returnee’s furniture | Duties by item | Model-year and condition rules |
| Lebanon | Exemption considered for a Lebanese national returning for good | Duties by item and 11% VAT | Model-year rules |
| Turkey | Exemption considered for someone relocating, once only | Duties by tariff line and VAT, with an importer holding a tax number | Used imports are restricted; temporary entry is the usual route |
| Tunisia | A privilege for nationals returning for good, likewise in Algeria and Morocco | Duties by item and VAT | Limits on the car’s age |
Duties and taxes are paid to the authorities in the destination country and are outside the shipping price.
Matching documents head off many questions
A difference in description, count or value between documents can halt the procedure.
The invoice
Both parties, the description, value and currency.
The packing list
The number of packages, their contents and weights.
The certificate of origin
Proves the country of production, on which exemption depends.
Approvals
Permits from the authorities for restricted items.
Where is your shipment cleared?
Each road-connected country has its border. Other countries are cleared at the port or airport.
| Destination | Saudi border | Opposite border |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Al Batha | Al Ghuwaifat |
| Qatar | Salwa | Abu Samra |
| Bahrain | King Fahd Causeway | The customs island on the causeway |
| Kuwait | Al Khafji or Ar Ruqi | Nuwaiseeb or Salmi |
| Oman | Rub’ al Khali | Ramlat Khaliya |
| Jordan | Al Haditha or Halat Ammar | Al Omari or Mudawwara |
| Iraq | Jadidat Arar | Arar |
| Other countries | Jeddah Islamic Port or the airport | The arrival port or airport |
🛃A product’s name, use and material make a clearer customs description
The more accurate the description, the faster the tariff line, duties and approvals are settled. “Household items” is not enough; “a used wooden bedroom set: a bed, a wardrobe and two bedside tables” is.
- ✓A trade name and a functional description
- ✓The material it is made from
- ✓The true quantity and value
- ✓The country of origin and the use
The clearance sequence
We review the document before it reaches the point of decision.
- 01
Gathering the documents
The invoice, list, ID and approvals.
- 02
Matching
Description, count, value and origin across every document.
- 03
Authorising the broker
Through the Fasah platform, before loading day.
- 04
The export declaration
At the Saudi border or port.
- 05
The import declaration
In the destination country, with duties assessed or the exemption applied.
- 06
Release
Then delivery.
What delays clearance?
Most delay comes from the file, not the border.
- ✓A vague, unnumbered packing list
- ✓A Fasah authorisation issued after loading
- ✓New furniture mixed with used on one list
- ✓An unrealistic value on the invoice
- ✓A restricted item without its approval
- ✓A consignee who does not answer the broker at destination
The duty to disclose
The details provided must be correct and complete.
- ✓Hide no contents
- ✓Declare the true value
- ✓Provide valid licences
- ✓Report batteries and liquids
- ✓Update any change before booking
Answers before you start your request
Is customs clearance within the shipping price?+
Clearance procedures at both borders are within the price. Duties and taxes charged by the destination country are outside it.
How long do border procedures take?+
Two hours to a day at the Gulf borders, four hours to a day at the Jordanian borders, and one to two days at Arar, when the documents are complete.
Is used furniture exempt from customs?+
In the Gulf states it is usually exempt for someone relocating. In Jordan a returning expatriate’s furniture is exempt after one continuous year abroad. Elsewhere it depends on the country’s rules.
What is the Fasah platform?+
Saudi Arabia’s electronic clearance platform, through which the broker’s authorisation and the export declaration are issued.
Are the requirements the same for every country?+
No, they vary by country, product, value, origin and shipping mode.
Do you set the duties before shipping?+
We give an estimate once the details are available; the final duties are decided by the relevant authority.
Why is a packing list required?+
Because it ties each package to its contents and weight, so only what is asked for is opened.
Can a restricted item be shipped?+
After approval from the relevant authority and the carrier. Some items are prohibited outright.
Now that you know the details, send your file for review
Request a customs clearance review
Enter the route, cargo type and required services so we can prepare a clear shipping request.