Complete Import Guide 2025: How to Import from China, Europe, and Turkey? Steps, Costs, SABER, Customs, and Saudi Standards

Introduction: The Import Dream is Now Within Your Reach

Have you ever wondered how merchants import their goods from China, Turkey, or Europe? Did you think it was complicated and required years of experience and a huge budget? The truth is that technological development and electronic platforms have made importing accessible to everyone, whether you're an individual wanting to start a small project or a company seeking to expand its business.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a complete journey from A to Z: from the moment of choosing the product while sitting at home, through negotiating with the supplier, shipping, packaging to comply with Saudi specifications, all the way to receiving your goods from customs and selling them in the Saudi market. All with approximate costs and detailed procedures!

First: Are You Qualified to Import? Basic Requirements

Before starting your journey in the import world, you need to know the basic requirements:

For Individuals (Personal Import)

If you want to import small quantities for personal use or limited sales: You can import without a commercial registration for very small quantities. Personal shipments valued under 1,000 SAR are exempt from customs duties. Shipments exceeding 1,000 SAR are charged 5% customs duties plus 15% VAT.

For Trade and Business (Commercial Import)

If you intend to import commercial quantities for sale, you need: A valid commercial registration that includes import activity or trade in the products to be imported. Tax card from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority. Registration on the electronic FASAH platform for customs clearance. Registration on the SABER platform for issuing conformity certificates. A commercial bank account (preferably in foreign currencies to facilitate transfers).

Cost of Obtaining Basic Documents

Commercial Registration: 200 SAR annually for the main branch + 100 SAR for each additional branch. Chamber of Commerce fees: Vary by region and activity. FASAH platform registration: Free. SABER platform registration: Free (fees only on certificates).

Second: Choosing the Right Product and Supplier

The first step in the import journey is choosing the right product and reliable supplier:

How to Choose the Right Product?

Study the Saudi market well: What products are in demand? What's missing in the market? Avoid products prohibited from import in Saudi Arabia. Ensure the product can meet Saudi specifications. Calculate the profit margin after adding all costs (purchase + shipping + customs + SABER). Start with simple and uncomplicated products at first to gain experience.

Most Popular Platforms for Buying from International Suppliers

Alibaba.com: The largest wholesale trading platform globally, especially for Chinese products. Made-in-China.com: Another Chinese platform for suppliers and factories. Global Sources: For Asian suppliers in general. TurkishExporter.net: For Turkish products. European specialized websites depending on product type.

How to Verify Supplier Credibility?

On Alibaba platform, look for the following marks: Verified Supplier means the seller has been verified and has a real existence. Trade Assurance means there's insurance protecting you if problems occur. Gold Supplier indicates a paid membership showing the supplier's seriousness. Review previous customers' ratings and years of experience. Communicate with the supplier through the platform and ask detailed questions. Request samples before large orders.

Third: Steps for Purchasing from International Suppliers

Step 1: Search and Communication

Enter Alibaba platform or any other platform. Search for the required product using English keywords. Compare several suppliers in terms of price, quality, and minimum order quantity (MOQ). Communicate with selected suppliers through the platform's messaging system. Use clear and direct language in communication.

Step 2: Request Samples

Before large orders, request samples to ensure quality. Sample costs are usually borne by the buyer (may be deducted from large orders). Inspecting samples saves you major losses if quality doesn't match.

Step 3: Negotiate and Set Terms

Negotiate the price: The larger the quantity, the lower the unit price. Agree on shipping terms using Incoterms: FOB means the supplier bears costs only to the shipping port. CIF means the supplier bears shipping and insurance costs to the arrival port. DDP means door delivery with the supplier bearing all costs. Determine payment method and delivery dates.

Step 4: Secure Payment

Secure payment methods on Alibaba: Trade Assurance or Escrow: Best for beginners, the amount is held until goods are received and confirmed. Letter of Credit (L/C): For large orders, provides protection for both parties through banks. Bank Transfer (T/T): Common but less secure, avoid with new suppliers. Avoid paying via Western Union or any untrusted intermediary.

Step 5: Follow Production

Request photos and videos during production. You can hire quality inspection companies in China to inspect goods before shipping. Ensure packaging and labels comply with Saudi specifications before shipping.

Fourth: Product Label and Packaging (Saudi Specifications Requirements)

One of the main reasons shipments are rejected at customs is non-compliance of product labels with specifications. The product label must include:

Mandatory Information on Product Label

Product name in Arabic and English. Country of origin (Made in China / صنع في الصين). Manufacturer's or importer's name and address. Ingredients or materials used (especially for food products and cosmetics). Production date and expiry date (for products with limited shelf life). Net weight or volume. Usage instructions and warnings (if any). Barcode. Saudi conformity mark (if required for the product).

Important Packaging Tips

Ask the supplier to prepare Arabic labels before shipping. Send the supplier the required label template. Ensure print quality and information clarity. Some products require special packaging (such as food products).

Fifth: SABER System and Conformity Certificates

The SABER system is the official electronic platform that requires all importers to obtain conformity certificates before clearing goods from customs.

What Certificates Are Required?

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

Issued for products subject to technical regulations (high and medium risk). Proves that the product model or type matches Saudi specifications. Valid for one year. Issued once and can be used for multiple shipments of the same product. Cost: Approximately 500 - 1,000 SAR (varies by evaluation body and product type).

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Issued for each imported shipment separately. Mandatory for all products (subject and not subject to technical regulations). Required for customs clearance. Cost: 350 - 600 SAR per shipment.

Self-Declaration

For products not subject to technical regulations (low risk). Issued by the importer themselves through SABER platform. Lower cost than conformity certificate.

Steps for Registration on SABER Platform

Enter saber.sa website. Create an account for the establishment using commercial registration. Add products you want to import. Specify the customs code (HS Code) for the product. The system will automatically determine if the product is subject to technical regulations or not. Choose the approved conformity assessment body. Submit required documents (commercial invoice, test reports, product photos). Receive the certificate electronically.

Documents Required for SABER

Commercial invoice from supplier (Proforma Invoice or Commercial Invoice). Clear photos of product and label. Test reports from accredited laboratories (for products subject to technical regulations). Certificate of Origin. Product Technical File.

Sixth: Choosing Shipping Company and Method

Sea Freight

Best for large and heavy quantities. Duration: 25 - 40 days from China to Saudi Arabia. Cost: 20-foot container: $1,500 - $2,500. 40-foot container: $1,800 - $3,000. Partial shipping (LCL): If you don't fill a complete container, you can share with others.

Air Freight

Best for small and urgent shipments. Duration: 7 - 10 days. Cost: $5 - $11 per kilogram. Faster but much more expensive than sea freight.

Express Shipping

Through companies like DHL, FedEx, Aramex. Duration: 3 - 7 days. Cost: $10 - $20 per kilogram. Suitable for samples and very small shipments.

How to Choose a Shipping Company?

The supplier can arrange shipping (especially with CIF or DDP terms). You can contract with a Freight Forwarder in Saudi Arabia or China. Compare prices between several companies. Ensure the company provides shipment tracking service.

Most Famous Shipping Companies from China to Saudi Arabia

ShipTao Company. Ajeeb Express Company. Commercial Source Company. Global shipping companies like Maersk, MSC, Evergreen.

Seventh: Customs and Customs Duties

Customs Duties in Saudi Arabia

Basic customs duties: 5% on most goods (may reach 15% for some products). Value Added Tax: 15% on total shipment value (goods value + shipping + insurance + customs duties). Customs declaration fees: 20 SAR. Additional fees may apply to some products like tobacco and soft drinks.

How to Calculate Total Fees

Illustrative example: Goods value: 10,000 SAR. Shipping and insurance cost: 2,000 SAR. Customs value: 12,000 SAR. Customs duties (5%): 600 SAR. Total before tax: 12,600 SAR. VAT (15%): 1,890 SAR. Customs declaration fees: 20 SAR. Total due to customs: 2,510 SAR.

Customs Fees Calculator

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority provides an electronic calculator to estimate fees on its official website.

Eighth: FASAH Platform and Customs Clearance

FASAH platform is the unified electronic window for completing import and export procedures in Saudi Arabia.

Registration on FASAH Platform

Enter fasah.sa website. Create an account using commercial registration. Add customs broker data (if you'll use one).

Electronic Customs Clearance Steps

Before Shipment Arrival (Pre-submission)

Create customs declaration at least 48 hours before shipment arrival. Enter shipment data: type of goods, quantity, value, customs code (HS Code). Attach required documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, packing list, SABER certificate.

Upon Shipment Arrival

Customs reviews declaration and documents electronically. Shipment is designated for inspection: Green track: Direct clearance without inspection. Yellow track: Additional document inspection. Red track: Physical inspection of goods.

Paying Fees and Collection

Pay customs duties and tax electronically. Obtain release permit. Collect goods from port or airport.

Customs Clearance Duration

24-hour clearance program available for compliant shipments. Actual duration: 1 - 5 working days depending on goods type and document completion.

Ninth: Required Documents for Import (Comprehensive Summary)

From Supplier

Commercial Invoice: Includes goods description, quantity, price, sales terms. Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight). Packing List: Carton details, weight, and dimensions. Certificate of Origin: Proves country of manufacture. Test Reports: For products subject to technical regulations.

From Importer

Valid commercial registration. Product conformity certificate from SABER (if required). Shipment conformity certificate from SABER. Authorization for customs broker (if any).

For Special Products

Food products: Health certificate, Halal certificate, registration with Food and Drug Authority. Cosmetics: Registration in the electronic Ghad system of Food and Drug Authority. Electronic devices: Certificate from Communications Authority (for wireless devices). Toys: Compliance with children's safety standards.

Tenth: Calculating Total Import Cost

Let's assume you want to import a shipment worth 50,000 SAR from China. Here are the approximate costs:

Approximate Cost Table

Goods value (FOB): 50,000 SAR. Sea freight (20-foot container): 6,000 - 9,000 SAR. Shipment insurance (optional): 500 - 1,000 SAR. Product conformity certificate (SABER): 500 - 1,000 SAR (one time). Shipment conformity certificate (SABER): 350 - 600 SAR. Customs duties (5%): 2,825 - 3,000 SAR (on CIF value). VAT (15%): 8,900 - 9,500 SAR. Customs clearance fees (broker): 500 - 1,500 SAR. Port handling fees: 300 - 800 SAR. Internal transport to warehouse: 500 - 2,000 SAR. Approximate total: 70,000 - 78,000 SAR.

Additional Costs Percentage

Total additional costs approximately: 35% - 55% of goods value. This percentage must be calculated when setting the selling price to ensure appropriate profit margin.

Eleventh: Prohibited Import Goods

Saudi Arabia prohibits importing some goods, including: Products containing pork or its derivatives. Alcoholic beverages. Drugs and psychoactive substances. Weapons and explosives (without license). Counterfeit or fraudulent products. Products contrary to Islamic faith. Statues and sculptures that are contrary. Some toys and dolls not meeting safety standards.

Twelfth: Golden Tips for Beginner Importers

Before Purchasing

Start small and gain experience before large orders. Always request samples before commercial quantities. Verify the supplier well and don't be deceived by very low prices. Confirm Saudi specifications required for your product before ordering.

During the Process

Document everything in writing (contracts, agreements, correspondence). Use secure payment methods (Trade Assurance or Letter of Credit). Track your shipment first-hand. Prepare SABER documents before shipment arrival.

After Receipt

Inspect goods immediately upon receipt. Document any problems with photos and video. Contact supplier immediately if there's a defect. Keep copies of all documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import without commercial registration?

For small personal quantities yes, but for trade you must have a valid commercial registration.

How long does the import process from China take?

From ordering goods to receiving them: approximately 45 - 60 days (includes production, sea shipping, and clearance).

Is SABER certificate required for all products?

Yes, as of October 2025, shipment certificate became mandatory for all products subject and not subject to technical regulations.

What's the difference between sea and air freight?

Sea is much cheaper but slower (30-40 days), air is faster (7-10 days) but 5-10 times more expensive.

How do I know the customs code (HS Code) for my product?

You can search on the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority website or SABER platform using the product name.

Can customs duties be refunded if I re-export the goods?

Yes, you can apply for refund in certain cases according to applicable regulations.

What if my shipment is rejected at customs?

It's referred to the competent authority to determine the reason, and it may be required to re-export or destroy at the importer's expense.

Conclusion

Importing from abroad is no longer exclusive to large companies. With the right knowledge and good planning, you can start your import project from home. The key is: compliance with Saudi regulations, dealing with reliable suppliers, obtaining SABER certificates on time, and calculating costs accurately to ensure your project's profitability.

Start small, learn from every experience, and expand your business gradually. Remember that every big merchant started with a first step. We ask Allah for your success in your commercial journey!