HS 7201Metals & Minerals · Saudi Arabia

Pig Iron - HS 7201 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into Saudi Arabia

Q: What is the typical import duty on metals & minerals (HS 7201) into Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia applies an MFN duty of about 5% on HS chapter 7201 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (GCC Common External Tariff: 5% standard, 20% protective uplift on many finished goods to encourage local manufacturing (Vision 2030), 100% on tobacco, 50% on soft drinks with sugar) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

Q: How is VAT calculated on imports of metals & minerals in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia charges VAT at 15% on the CIF value plus duty. GCC CET, 15% VAT on CIF + duty

Q: What is the landed cost of a USD 120,000 FOB shipment of metals & minerals into Saudi Arabia?

On a USD 120,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 132,000. Applying 5% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 27,390 (~20.8% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 161,790.

Q: Which HS code should I use for metals & minerals in Saudi Arabia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 7201.10 (Non-alloy pig iron, <=0.5% phosphorus). Saudi Arabia customs then requires the full national code (8- to 10-digit national tariff line). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Q: Which Incoterm is best for shipping metals & minerals to Saudi Arabia?

Most importers into Saudi Arabia prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and VAT to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Q: What documents does Saudi Arabia customs need to clear HS 7201?

KSA uses the 8-digit GCC HS extension, aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits. Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.

Duty and tax snapshot for importing metals & minerals (HS 7201) into Saudi Arabia. Typical MFN duty ~5%, VAT 15% on CIF + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

VAT

15%

Total taxes / CIF

20.8%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 120,000 FOB parcel of metals & minerals (HS 7201) shipped to Saudi Arabia.

FOB valueUSD 120,000

Origin chargesUSD 1,800

FreightUSD 9,600

InsuranceUSD 600

CIFUSD 132,000

Import duty @ 5%USD 6,600

VAT @ 15%USD 20,790

Destination inlandUSD 2,400

Landed cost ≈ USD 161,790

Run your own numbers in the Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
7201.10	Non-alloy pig iron, <=0.5% phosphorus
7225.99	Flat-rolled alloy steel, other

Saudi Arabia duty regime

GCC Common External Tariff: 5% standard, 20% protective uplift on many finished goods to encourage local manufacturing (Vision 2030), 100% on tobacco, 50% on soft drinks with sugar. Preferential rates under GAFTA (Arab League) and the GCC-Singapore FTA.

Customs notes

· KSA uses the 8-digit GCC HS extension, aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits.
· FASAH is the national single-window platform - all import/export declarations file through it.
· SABER platform: mandatory Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for regulated goods. Without SABER, goods will not clear customs.
· Customs value = CIF. Duty applied first, then 15% VAT on (CIF + duty).

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical import duty on metals & minerals (HS 7201) into Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia applies an MFN duty of about 5% on HS chapter 7201 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (GCC Common External Tariff: 5% standard, 20% protective uplift on many finished goods to encourage local manufacturing (Vision 2030), 100% on tobacco, 50% on soft drinks with sugar) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

How is VAT calculated on imports of metals & minerals in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia charges VAT at 15% on the CIF value plus duty. GCC CET, 15% VAT on CIF + duty

What is the landed cost of a USD 120,000 FOB shipment of metals & minerals into Saudi Arabia?

On a USD 120,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 132,000. Applying 5% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 27,390 (~20.8% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 161,790.

Which HS code should I use for metals & minerals in Saudi Arabia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 7201.10 (Non-alloy pig iron, <=0.5% phosphorus). Saudi Arabia customs then requires the full national code (8- to 10-digit national tariff line). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Which Incoterm is best for shipping metals & minerals to Saudi Arabia?

Most importers into Saudi Arabia prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and VAT to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

What documents does Saudi Arabia customs need to clear HS 7201?

KSA uses the 8-digit GCC HS extension, aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits. Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.