Vehicle Import Fees to Saudi Arabia: Accurate Calculation

Many importers are surprised by the customs invoice after their vehicle arrives. The reason: not knowing all the line items. This guide breaks down every halala in detail.

The Basic Fee Formula

Final price = (Vehicle value × 1.05) × 1.15

That is:

• 5% customs duty on the vehicle value (CIF)
• 15% VAT on the total (vehicle + customs + transport + insurance)

Effective result: ~20.75% of the original vehicle value.

Practical Example

A sedan worth SAR 80,000:

Item	Amount
Vehicle value	SAR 80,000
Customs duty (5%)	+SAR 4,000
Pre-VAT total	SAR 84,000
VAT (15%)	+SAR 12,600
Final total	SAR 96,600

Effective increase: SAR 16,600 (~21%)

Used Vehicles — Age Discount

Used vehicles benefit from a 10% annual discount:

Age	Discount
1 year	10%
2 years	20%
3 years	30%
4 years	40%
5 years	50% (max)

The discount is on the customs-approved value (not the seller’s invoice).

Extra Fees — Energy Efficiency

If the vehicle does not meet Saudi energy efficiency standards:

Efficiency Standards (SASO)

• Sedans and sports cars: 10.3 km/L or higher
• SUVs and pickups: 9.0 km/L or higher
• Light trucks: per category

Extra Fees

If the vehicle is below standards:

• Minimum: SAR 20,000 per vehicle
• May reach SAR 60,000 for inefficient luxury vehicles

Customs Exemptions

GCC Vehicles

Full customs exemption (5%) for vehicles with GCC origin under the GCC Customs Union.

⚠️ Condition: a valid GCC certificate of origin. Forgery = penalties + duty recovery.

Electric Vehicles

No special customs exemption currently, but:

• Exempt from energy efficiency fees
• Special electrical safety standards

Other Administrative Fees

Fee	Approximate Amount
Temporary plates (10 days)	SAR 300
Port technical inspection	SAR 200–500
Energy Efficiency certificate	SAR 150–300
Broker service fees	varies by broker

Used Vehicle Import Conditions

Type	Maximum Age
Sedans and SUVs	5 years
Pickups	5 years
Heavy trucks	10 years
Classic cars	30+ years

Vehicles Prohibited from Import

❌ Former police and taxi vehicles (Salvage) ❌ Vehicles past the allowed age ❌ Vehicles with modified VINs ❌ Vehicles with flood or fire damage ❌ Smuggled or stolen-registered vehicles

Money-Saving Tips

1. Study the customs-approved value before purchase (may differ from purchase price)
2. Import from GCC countries for the 5% exemption
3. Choose fuel-efficient vehicles to avoid efficiency fees (SAR 20,000+)
4. Verify GCC certificate of origin before shipping
5. Use an experienced broker who knows the right customs values

OBOOR’s Tip

We provide:

• Accurate fee calculation before purchase
• Verifying available exemptions
• Fast clearance at the port
• Energy Efficiency certificate issuance

Get a vehicle fee quote — free, before purchase.