HS 4818Wood & Paper · Saudi Arabia

Tissue & Sanitary Paper - HS 4818 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into Saudi Arabia

Duty and tax snapshot for importing wood & paper (HS 4818) 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 50,000 FOB parcel of wood & paper (HS 4818) shipped to Saudi Arabia.

FOB valueUSD 50,000

Origin chargesUSD 750

FreightUSD 4,000

InsuranceUSD 250

CIFUSD 55,000

Import duty @ 5%USD 2,750

VAT @ 15%USD 8,663

Destination inlandUSD 1,000

Landed cost ≈ USD 67,413

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

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
4818.10	Toilet paper, in rolls or sheets

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 wood & paper (HS 4818) into Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia applies an MFN duty of about 5% on HS chapter 4818 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 wood & paper 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 50,000 FOB shipment of wood & paper into Saudi Arabia?

On a USD 50,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 55,000. Applying 5% duty and 15% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 11,413 (~20.8% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 67,413.

Which HS code should I use for wood & paper in Saudi Arabia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 4818.10 (Toilet paper, in rolls or sheets). 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 wood & paper 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 4818?

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.