| Intro | Saudi Arabia operates under the GCC Common Customs Law with a 5% CET (higher on tobacco, energy drinks, sweetened beverages). ZATCA (2021 merger of GAC + GAZT) runs both customs and Zakat/VAT. Product conformity is enforced through SABER (SASO's platform - non-food) and SALEEM (food/health). RHQ Programme (2024) restricts government procurement to companies with a Saudi regional HQ. |
|---|
| Primary authorities | - ZATCA (Zakat, Tax & Customs Authority)Customs, VAT, Zakat, excise.
- SASOStandards & conformity (SABER platform).
- SFDAFood, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics.
- Ministry of Investment (MISA)Foreign investment licence.
|
|---|
| Licensing regimes | - Commercial Registration (CR)Mandatory for any commercial activity. · Ministry of Commerce
- SABER Product Certificate of ConformityAll regulated non-food products - electronics, toys, cosmetics, textiles, building materials. · SASO-appointed CBs
- SFDA import permitPer-shipment for food, medical devices, cosmetics, drugs. · SFDA
- Investment LicenceForeign-owned entities. · MISA
|
|---|
| Prohibited goods | - · Pork & pork by-products.
- · Alcohol (with narrow diplomatic/duty-free exceptions).
- · Israeli-origin goods (KSA has not joined Abraham Accords).
- · Pornographic material, gambling equipment.
- · Publications & media contrary to Islamic values.
|
|---|
| Restricted goods | - · Halal certification for meat/poultry - SFDA-approved slaughter facility & certifying body.
- · Regulated non-food products require SABER certificate before shipment.
- · Cosmetics - SFDA notification via GHAD platform.
- · Advertising, biotech, publishing sectors - foreign ownership caps under MISA rules.
|
|---|
| Labelling requirements | - · Arabic-language labelling mandatory for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals.
- · Country of origin & halal statement where applicable.
- · Production and expiry dates in dd/mm/yyyy on food.
- · SFDA registration number on pharma/medical device packaging.
|
|---|
| Sanctions overlay | - · UN Security Council sanctions.
- · Regional trade restrictions (Israel, Qatar 2017-2021 - now lifted).
- · Kingdom-specific counter-terrorism financing lists.
|
|---|
| Dispute resolution | General Courts / Commercial Court (Board of Grievances lineage). Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) - ICC-compatible institutional arbitration. NY Convention acceded 1994. Enforcement of foreign arbitral awards has improved materially under Enforcement Law 2013 and SCCA's growth. Free-Zone / SEZ dispute forums newly available (King Abdullah Economic City etc.). |
|---|
| Official sources | |
|---|
