MyDHL+ Help Center

Guide for DHL Express Dutiable Shipments to Saudi Arabia

Changes in Customs clearance regulations in Saudi Arabia have mandated new requirements for express shipments.
It is important that the necessary documentation and information is provided with your shipments to Saudi Arabia to ensure that your DHL Express shipments are processed smoothly through customs clearance.

Prior to January 2012 - All shipments up to a value of $13,250 USD are cleared by DHL Express’ broker with the Importer of Record (IOR) specified as SNAS Trading (DHL’s partner).

After January 1, 2012 - As part of revised procedures by the Saudi Customs Authority relating to the inspection of shipments coming through express carriers, shipments will go through these processes.
  1. The actual consignee, or final receiver, is required to be identified as the Importer Of Record (IOR)
  2. This change also entails requires that all goods with a commercial value above $100 USD must comply with formal customs clearance processes for all imported shipments. Imports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will require the following:
  • A copy of the importer’s Company Registration (Commercial Registration) for all imports under a company name over $100 USD. Commercial Registration number should be quoted on the DHL Express waybill in the VAT number field if available at the time of export.
  • For goods going to Dhahran (Eastern Province) over $13,250 USD, or $2,500 USD for Jeddah (Western Province) and Riyadh (Central Province), a letter printed on the importer’s company letterhead authorizing the DHL Express broker to clear shipments on their behalf. Note: the letter can be produced to cover clearance of either individual shipments or all shipments for the company for a period of up to 1 year. DHL Express will only need this once per year from each importer.
  • For all personal imports over $100 USD, a copy of the personal identification card for Saudi and Foreign nationals. ID number should be quoted on the DHL Express waybill in the VAT number field if available at the time of shipment pickup (this is a 10 digit number).
  • A CRF (Clean Report of Findings/SASO) from an accredited inspection company in the country of origin for certain goods and commodities above $100 USD.
  • A certificate of origin for all items over $13,250 USD or $2,500 USD for Jeddah and Riyadh, certified by the chamber of commerce (or equivalent) in the origin country.
Additional information and resources regarding the import requirements for Saudi Arabia.