What Documents Are Required for Customs Clearance When Exporting Goods To Saudi Arabia Via International Logistics?

I. Basic Documents

Commercial Invoice

This document must clearly list the goods' name, specifications, quantity, unit price, and total price, and must be certified by a chamber of commerce (such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade).

It must also include the shipper/consignee information, HS code, transportation method, and currency (usually settled in US dollars).

Packing List

This document includes details of the goods' packaging (such as net weight, gross weight, and volume per carton), total number of packages, and shipping marks, and must be consistent with the commercial invoice.

Certificate of Origin

Issued by an authoritative institution such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), it must specify the country of origin, port of shipment, port of destination, and date of issuance, and bear the official seal.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

A full English version is required, showing the shipper, consignee, product name, gross weight, volume, shipping company, and voyage information.

Insurance Policy

If insured, the original insurance policy must be provided, including the insured amount, coverage scope, and beneficiary information.

II. Special Certification Documents

SABER Certification (PC and SC Certificates)

Since 2019, all goods are required to be registered through the SABER system and obtain a Product Conformity Certificate (PC) and a Shipment Conformity Certificate (SC).

The certification process usually takes 2-4 weeks, so advance planning is necessary.

SASO Certification

For highly sensitive goods such as electronics, electrical appliances, and chemical products, compliance with Saudi technical regulations (such as IECEE/GCC certification) is required.

Other Industry Certifications

Medical devices and cosmetics require SFDA certification;

Food products require the submission of hygiene permits.

III. Other potentially required documents

Consular invoice or customs invoice

Some goods require certification by the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in China, or require invoices to be completed in a specific format as required by customs.

Shipping/Airline certificate

Issued by the transportation company, certifying the transportation route, intermediate ports of call, and that the goods are free from any compliance risks.

Trademark authorization certificate

Goods bearing a trademark require a brand authorization letter.

IV. Important Notes

Labeling and Packaging Requirements

The product and packaging must be marked with the non-removable "MADE IN CHINA" label;

Instructions and warning labels must be in Arabic or Arabic + English.

Document Consistency

All document information (such as HS code, quantity, and value) must be completely consistent to avoid delays during customs inspection.

Agent Assistance

For first-time exports, it is recommended to entrust a freight forwarder familiar with Saudi Arabian policies to handle certification and document review.