Looking for import from uk? Here is the practical picture for Saudi Arabia — real costs, timelines and requirements — and Modjo handles the whole process for you.
The rules of the lane: Foreign companies without a Saudi entity import through an importer of record (IOR) — a licensed local entity importing in its own name for a service fee.
On the the UK lane specifically: sea freight to Saudi ports takes 18–25 days and air 2–4 days; typical cargo includes machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, food specialties and consumer brands. Main routings: Felixstowe or Southampton to Jeddah. UK–Saudi trade skews to branded and regulated goods, so certification lead time, SFDA for food and pharma, SABER for consumer products, is the planning constraint rather than the freight itself.
For import from uk, the difference between a smooth shipment and an expensive one is preparation before arrival.
Leave your number — a specialist replies within 30 minutes during Saudi working hours.
A CR with import activity, FASAH importer number, product certificates, and a customs declaration — or an importer of record if you lack a Saudi entity.
Commercial import requires a registered establishment; personal shipments follow separate simplified rules.