Required Documents for Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia
Preparing complete and accurate documents is the single biggest factor in how quickly your shipment clears customs. Here are the key documents a customs broker needs to complete your clearance.
Core Documents (Required for Nearly All Shipments)
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight): proof the carrier received the goods and their destination.
- Commercial Invoice: states the value and description of the goods along with exporter/importer details, and is used to calculate customs duties.
- Packing List: details the shipment’s contents, number of packages, weights, and dimensions.
- Commercial Registration and the importer’s customs establishment number.
Additional Documents Depending on the Goods
- Certificate of Origin: may be required to benefit from trade agreements or preferential customs tariffs.
- SABER Conformity Certificate: for products subject to technical regulation (such as electrical appliances and building materials).
- Zawil Import License/Notification: for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic products, and certain medical devices.
- Health Certificate or Halal Certificate: for certain food products and meat derivatives.
- Customs Power of Attorney: authorizing the customs broker to complete procedures on the importer’s behalf.
Tips for Preparing Your Documents Correctly
- Make sure the importer’s name and commercial registration number match across all documents.
- Verify that the goods’ description and quantities match between the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
- Send clear digital copies of all documents to your broker well before the shipment arrives — not after.
- Consult your broker early if your goods fall into a category that may require special certificates (SABER or Zawil), so they can be prepared before arrival.
How Fares Customs Clearance Helps
We review your documents as soon as we receive them and flag any gaps or corrections needed before your shipment reaches Jeddah Islamic Port, ensuring clearance proceeds without unnecessary delay.
To have your shipment’s documents reviewed, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll respond quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if documents are incomplete when the shipment arrives?
Clearance is held up until the missing documents are provided, which often results in additional port storage fees. It's best to prepare and send documents to your broker well before the shipment arrives.
Do required documents differ by product type?
Yes. Certain product categories — such as food, electrical appliances, or cosmetics — require additional certificates alongside the core documents shared by all shipments.