Everything practical about trading import export in Saudi Arabia on one page: what it costs, how long it takes, what documents decide the outcome. Modjo does the rest.
What decides the outcome: Commercial importing into Saudi Arabia needs four things: a CR with import activity, a FASAH importer number, the right certificates (SABER for most goods, SFDA for food/cosmetics/medical), and a cleared declaration — duty mostly 5% plus 15% VAT. First-time setup takes days; each shipment clears in 1–3 working days.
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.
For trading import export, 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.