1. Check what you need as an importer
Commercial shipments are imported under a Saudi Commercial Registration (CR). Some products also need an importer registration with the relevant authority, for example SFDA for food, cosmetics and medical devices.
If you don't have a CR yet, ask us: depending on the goods, we can import under our company and invoice you for the landed goods.
2. Find and verify the supplier
Shortlist two to four factories rather than the first one you find. Compare prices, minimum order quantity (MOQ), lead time and export experience to the Gulf.
- Ask for samples before mass production
- Check the business licence and that the factory actually makes the product
- Agree on packing, labelling and quality standards in writing
- Arrange an inspection before the goods are loaded
3. Confirm product requirements before you order
Most regulated consumer and industrial products need SABER certificates (a Product Certificate of Conformity and a Shipment Certificate). Food, cosmetics and medical products go through SFDA, and some goods need ministry approvals.
Find this out before paying the supplier: the factory may need to provide test reports, and some products need Arabic labelling.
4. Choose how to ship
- Sea LCL (shared container): small volumes, priced per CBM
- Sea FCL (full container): best value above roughly 13–15 CBM
- Air freight: 3–10 days door to door for urgent or light goods
- Door to door: one price including clearance and delivery
Agree the Incoterm with your supplier. EXW or FOB lets us control the freight; DDP from a supplier often hides costs and problems at Saudi customs.
5. Customs duty and VAT
Saudi customs duty is calculated on the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance) and depends on the HS code. Many goods are 5%, and some are higher. VAT of 15% is then charged on the value including duty.
We confirm the HS code and the expected duty in the quotation, so the landed cost holds no surprises.
6. Clearance and delivery
The customs declaration is filed through FASAH with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin and the SABER or SFDA documents. Once duty and VAT are paid, the goods are released and trucked to your address.
How a shipment moves with Silk Arabia
- Specification & sourcing You share the requirement. We shortlist suppliers and confirm samples and prices.
- Order & quality check We order on your behalf, inspect before loading and photograph every stage.
- Certification SABER product and shipment certificates, SASO/SFDA and ministry approvals prepared in advance.
- Sea or air freight Booked on the best-value sailing or flight and tracked until it arrives.
- Customs clearance Declaration, duty and VAT handled by our licensed clearance team at the port.
- Delivery to your warehouse Trucked anywhere in Saudi Arabia, the GCC or Iraq, with proof of delivery.
FAQ
Can an individual import from China to Saudi Arabia?
Personal shipments are possible, but commercial quantities need a Commercial Registration. We can advise on the right route for your goods.
How long does importing from China take?
Allow for production time plus shipping: typically 35–65 days door to door by sea, or 3–10 days by air.
