Middle East
Trade terms in Saudi Arabia: what works and what catches people out
Saudi importers must file in the Fasah platform at least 48 hours before arrival, and containerised imports must be palletised. ICC reports that foreign cargo insurance is only accepted up to the point of entry.
Record last reviewed · Check a route to Saudi Arabia →
DDP when importing into Saudi Arabia Unverified Unverified
Can a foreign seller clear the goods and pay import taxes in this country?
Not yet verified. We have not yet found an official source on whether a foreign seller without a Saudi commercial registration can be the importer.
Sources: U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) · last checked
CIF when importing into Saudi Arabia Usable with conditions Needs review
Can the seller buy the cargo insurance abroad for goods going into this country?
ICC's January 2025 barrier list reports that cover bought abroad is accepted for CIF/CIP only up to the point of entry; insurance for the onward leg inside the country has to be placed locally.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
CIP when importing into Saudi Arabia Usable with conditions Needs review
Can the seller buy the cargo insurance abroad for goods going into this country?
ICC's January 2025 barrier list reports that cover bought abroad is accepted for CIF/CIP only up to the point of entry; insurance for the onward leg inside the country has to be placed locally.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
EXW when exporting from Saudi Arabia Unverified Unverified
Can a foreign buyer handle export clearance out of this country?
No EXW barrier is listed for Saudi Arabia in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
FCA when exporting from Saudi Arabia Unverified Unverified
Are there export-filing traps when the buyer arranges carriage from this country?
No FCA barrier is listed for Saudi Arabia in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
FOB when exporting from Saudi Arabia Unverified Unverified
Are there local quirks with FOB when shipping from this country?
No FOB barrier is listed for Saudi Arabia in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
Key facts
- Clearance ✓ Verified
Importers complete clearance in the Fasah platform, filing the customs declaration at least 48 hours before the shipment reaches the port.
Sources: U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) · last checked
- Clearance ✓ Verified
Since 8 May 2025 (12-month phase-in), containerised imports at Saudi ports must be palletised, with exemptions for bulk, heavy and oversized cargo.
Sources: U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) · last checked
Sources used on this page
- Saudi Arabia – Import Requirements and Documentation — U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov)
- National regulatory barriers to the Incoterms® 2020 rules (updated January 2025) — International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Snapshot as of December 2024, compiled from ICC national committees. Used as a lead list: facts that rely only on this document are flagged for review until confirmed against national law.
'Needs review' means the fact relies on a secondary source (often ICC's January 2025 barrier list) or an inference we have not yet confirmed against the national law. Spotted an error or a change? Tell us.