HS 39Chemicals · Saudi Arabia

HS Code for Plastics & Polymers - Import into Saudi Arabia

Q: What is the typical import duty on chemicals (HS 39) into Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia applies an MFN duty of about 6% on HS chapter 39 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 chemicals 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 45,000 FOB shipment of chemicals into Saudi Arabia?

On a USD 45,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 49,500. Applying 6% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 10,841 (~21.9% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 61,241.

Q: Which HS code should I use for chemicals in Saudi Arabia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 3901.10 (Polyethylene, specific gravity < 0.94 (LDPE/LLDPE)). 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 chemicals 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 39?

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 chemicals (HS 39) into Saudi Arabia. Typical MFN duty ~6%, 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

21.9%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 45,000 FOB parcel of chemicals (HS 39) shipped to Saudi Arabia.

FOB valueUSD 45,000

Origin chargesUSD 675

FreightUSD 3,600

InsuranceUSD 225

CIFUSD 49,500

Import duty @ 6%USD 2,970

VAT @ 15%USD 7,871

Destination inlandUSD 900

Landed cost ≈ USD 61,241

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

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
3901.10	Polyethylene, specific gravity < 0.94 (LDPE/LLDPE)
3902.10	Polypropylene in primary form
3907.61	Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bottle-grade
3904.10	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), not mixed
3923.30	Bottles, flasks - plastic articles for packing
3926.90	Other articles of plastics

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 chemicals (HS 39) into Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia applies an MFN duty of about 6% on HS chapter 39 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 chemicals 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 45,000 FOB shipment of chemicals into Saudi Arabia?

On a USD 45,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 49,500. Applying 6% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 10,841 (~21.9% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 61,241.

Which HS code should I use for chemicals in Saudi Arabia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 3901.10 (Polyethylene, specific gravity < 0.94 (LDPE/LLDPE)). 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 chemicals 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 39?

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.