🗂️Documents required for international shipping from Saudi Arabia
The documents required for international shipping depend on what you ship: personal effects, furniture, a car or goods. Three are common to all: the sender’s ID, the packing list, and the broker’s authorisation through the Fasah platform. A missing document stops a ready shipment at the border, so go through the list before loading day.
- ✓The sender’s ID and the consignee’s details
- ✓The packing list
- ✓The broker’s authorisation through Fasah
- ✓An invoice and certificate of origin for goods
Which documents does each shipment type need?
Start from your shipment type, then add what the destination country asks for.
| Shipment type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Cartons and personal effects | ID, Iqama or passport + packing list + the consignee’s details and number |
| Used household furniture | ID or passport + a detailed, numbered packing list + proof of residence in, or return to, the destination country where exemption is sought |
| Car | Registration + the owner’s ID + export plates for a permanent export, or a transit authorisation for temporary entry + an authorisation if the shipper is not the owner |
| Commercial goods | Commercial invoice + packing list + commercial registration + certified certificate of origin |
| Food, medicines and preparations | The above + a health certificate or certificate of analysis + approval from the relevant authority at destination |
| Sea freight | The documents for the shipment type + the bill of lading |
| All shipments | Electronic authorisation for the broker through the Fasah platform |
What some countries add
Known additional requirements at some destinations. Your case is reviewed before shipping.
| Destination | What is added |
|---|---|
| Gulf states | For furniture: a residence permit or tenancy contract at destination if requested. For towers: a move-in permit and lift booking. |
| Jordan | For a returning expatriate: proof of one continuous year’s residence abroad and its ending, and a certified furniture list. |
| Iraq | Passport, an Iraqi number for the consignee, and an import licence for goods where required. |
| Lebanon and Turkey | An itemised list with values, in English or the destination’s language, and a registered importer for goods. |
| Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco | For nationals returning for good: proof of residence abroad and its length, such as the change-of-residence certificate for Algerians. |
| Every country, for cars | Model-year conditions and the type of entry checked before shipping. |
Each document has a different job
One document does not replace another just because the information looks similar.
Identity of the parties
The sender’s and consignee’s details, and an authorisation where needed.
Commercial invoice
Description, value, currency and both parties.
Packing list
The number of packages, their contents and weights.
Certificate of origin
The country where the goods were produced, on which exemption depends.
🛃Description, count and value agree across the documents
A discrepancy causes extra questions, a correction or a halt until the details are complete.
- ✓The same product name on every document
- ✓The number of packages matching
- ✓The value and currency written down
- ✓The parties’ names and addresses as on their IDs
A checklist before sending the file
Go through the documents in this order.
- 01
Complete copies
Clear images and valid documents.
- 02
Matching names
Sender, consignee, and the registration or ID.
- 03
Shipment detail
Description, quantity, value and origin.
- 04
Approvals
Obtained before the shipping date.
- 05
The Fasah authorisation
Issued before loading day.
How is the packing list written?
A good list shortens inspection, so only what is asked for is opened.
- ✓A number for every carton and piece, with the same number written on it
- ✓A clear description: “Carton 7: kitchenware”, not “items”
- ✓The number of pieces inside each carton
- ✓New kept apart from used, on two lists
- ✓One copy with the shipment, one with you and one with the consignee
Answers before you start your request
What documents are required for international shipping from Saudi Arabia?+
The sender’s ID or Iqama, a packing list, the broker’s authorisation through Fasah and the consignee’s details. Goods also need an invoice and certificate of origin, and a car its registration and export plates.
Is a packing list required for personal effects?+
Yes. It describes the cartons, is asked for at the border, and is what the shipment is checked against at delivery.
What is the difference between the invoice and the packing list?+
The invoice covers value and sale; the list covers the number of packages, their contents and weights.
What is the Fasah authorisation?+
An electronic authorisation you issue to the clearance company through Saudi Arabia’s Fasah platform, so it can lodge the export declaration in your name.
Must the documents be translated?+
Some countries ask for the list in English or their own language, such as Turkey. It is settled by destination.
When is a certificate of origin required?+
For commercial goods; exemption for GCC-origin goods in the Gulf states and Saudi-origin goods in Arab countries depends on it.
What documents does shipping a car need?+
Registration, the owner’s ID, and export plates for a permanent export or a transit authorisation for temporary entry.
What happens if a document is missing?+
The shipment waits at the border or port until it is complete, and waiting charges may apply. That is why documents are reviewed before loading.
Send your file so we can review its documents before shipping
Send your request for a document review
Enter the route, cargo type and required services so we can prepare a clear shipping request.